Wilting Reservations [Casual]

[Mara]

[... from Expecting the Unexpected]



It had been almost a month since Falleen Jedi Knight Xierra Zalq had returned from her mission on Metellos. A lot had happened in just the last two or three weeks she had been back at the Temple on Coruscant. Of course, there were debriefings upon completion of their mission to rescue Jedi Tas Bey and his padawan from Templar Forge. And, of course, it hadn't gone completely smooth, but she and the rest of her Jedi team had accomplished what they were meant to.

After the meetings and debriefings, she had had some alone time, time to meditate on recent events: being Knighted, the Metellos mission. Especially her performance during the mission, trying to take on two of Forge's thugs with only her knowledge of Ataru, trying to use her master's old lightsaber in tandem with her own. Through some large spark of luck, Xierra had managed to escape without killing her opponents and with a slug wound in her lower leg. It had bothered her little during the rush of adrenaline rescuing the captured Jedi but upon return, she had gone to the med bay to get it fixed up. Now, physically, she was good as new.

However, she knew that she needed more training if she were to move further through the Order, on to more missions. And even training padawans, a task the Falleen didn't much look forward to. So she had gone looking for someone trained in Niman, hoping that having the extra lightsaber form in addition to her Ataru skills would give her what she needed to be a better all-around defender and fighter. And then someday, someday, she might get around to learning Jar'Kai, to use her master's blue blade the way it was meant to be used.

A fellow Knight had given her some instruction in Niman. In fact, it was one of the Jedi who had gone on her mission with her, so Xierra already had had forged a relationship with the Echani Elsie Therin. The practice sessions went by quickly, and Xierra learned equally as quickly. The moves had been awkward at first, since she was used to the more acrobatic Ataru, but in the last couple weeks she was beginning to see real progress in her lightsaber training. Since her initial training with Elsie, Xierra had dueled with other Knights at the Temple, trying to hone her skills, wanting some 'real-galaxy' training, as it were.

But for all her excitement in learning a new lightsaber form and being back with her fellow Jedi on Coruscant, everything was thrown into chaos when the Council had summoned her just a week prior. Thinking she was being assigned a new mission, she had gone with joy to the High Chambers. It all changed, though, when Xierra realized they were assigning her a padawan, based on her recent mission completion. They believed she was ready, and even though the Falleen Jedi didn't, she bowed to them and took on the challenge. She knew it would be happening sooner or later.

After a bit of a mix-up with another padawan, a young Weequay named Rakna Brux (who had been determined not yet ready to ascend to the next level due to his over-enthusiasm but held a chance of being placed with Knight Zalq in a few months' time as his first choice of master), Xierra now found herself without a padawan but still required by the Council to find one. They had suggested she attend a small informal tournament some of the younglings were holding. Perhaps she would find her future padawan there.

With some reluctance the Falleen Jedi gathered with some of her fellow Knights, all hopeful to be gaining a padawan. She would much rather have been preparing to go on another mission, not training up a youngling to Knighthood. Xierra had only been a Knight herself for less than two months. What could she teach anyone, especially a young one like those battling in front of her?

She watched the spectacle in front of her, her mind only partially focused on it. None of the younglings seemed to stand out to her. Many were indeed skilled and ready to be padawans, but Xierra's heart wasn't entirely in the decision. She had been about to give up when she heard her old master's voice in her head. "Use the Force, child. Let it lead you on your path." Again, as before, it was something of a riddle. The young Falleen shrugged; it was worth a try. The tournament was reaching an end. So she reached out in the Force, wondering if a youngling would jump out at her just as her lightsaber crystal had on Ilum.

It didn't seem to be working, but then something caught her eye in the Force, and so she opened her own dark eyes. A reddish Zabrak on the other side of the room. She remembered him from earlier duels; he had been skilled in the lightsaber combat portions of the tournament. Xierra glanced down at her own weapon hanging at her belt. Was this youngling the one? She wasn't so sure, but she also wasn't one to question the Force.

So when everything was over and the younglings were talking amongst themselves, some of them being accompanied by hopeful Knights, Xierra slowly made her way through the light crowd to the young Zabrak. Again, she was briefly reminded of her species and folded her hands inside the arms of her robe, meaning to hide her claws. Luckily, she did not wear her hair in the traditional top knot. Instead her black hung loosely around the shoulders of her Jedi robe. Quietly she cleared her throat. "Excuse me, young one..." Xierra paused, grasping on the Force to steady herself before moving on. "Are you in need of... a Master?"



(((Sorry for the length... I don't always post this much, lol.)))

[Casual]

After having placed higher up in the tournament, Zorn Arcron was feeling quite good about himself. He felt he had accompished much, regardless of standing. There was always going to be someone better, and he could easily learn to accept that. He had been talking to a few individuals who agreed that he did rather well, and he congratulated them as well on how they did. They were talking about how this guy was talking to this Knight or that girl might be getting this Master. There was all forms of excitement in the air. After their little discussion came to a close, Zorn then parted ways with the younglings and found himself breifly standing alone. It was then that he noticed the Knight headed towards him. At first he wasn't quite sure if she was headed his way or not, but she just drew closer and closer.

He saw that she was a Falleen, though it almost seemed as if she were hiding the fact. She had her hands in her robe sleeves and her hair came down to the sides of her head, just subtly covering up her phsyical details. Zorn really did not notice these so much, he mind was easily on other things. Flashes of missions across the galaxy and justice spread far and wide. A world of peace and even, dare he think it... Jedi Knighthood. He shook himself back to the moment. The moment in which he would be asked:

Excuse me, young one... are you in need of... a Master?

For a moment, Zorn's world stopped. He was being asked if he needed a master? Was he to become a padawan? One who could, through his training, become a Knight and stand for Justice and the Code? This was his chance to become what he'd dreampt of since he arrived at the Temple. It was this moment that marked a turning point in Zorn Arcron's life. He chose his words with much care and thought.

I... I, uh... yes, yes I do need a master...

[Mara]

It seemed as if her nervousness was almost contagious, if the stuttering of the young Zabrak was any indication. Xierra felt that maybe she had gotten off on the wrong foot, perhaps had been a little too blunt with the boy. But she was just getting used to this whole situation herself. First the Weequay padawan when she had really thought she wasn't ready, now a new one so soon after the misunderstanding. However, she was a Jedi Knight, and she needed to try to present as one with as much dignity as she could muster, instead of what she was--a scared and frightened young being tasked with taking care of an even younger being's life.

She took a deep breath and tried again, this time making sure she smiled, trying not to show too many of her pointed teeth. "My name is Xierra Zalq, and I'm a Guardian Knight." The Falleen pulled a hand out of her sleeve and held it out to him. She motioned for him to follow her out of the room; she didn't want to continue speaking in the tournament area. "You are quite skilled for your age." It was the first thing that came to her mind, second only to introducing herself. Now all that was left was the most difficult phrase that would be for her to voice. Xierra glanced down at the Zabrak walking at her side. "I would be honored if you would be my padawan."

[Casual]

"My name is Xierra Zalq, and I'm a Guardian Knight."

Rang in Zorn's ears, he naturally began the process of absorbing every word this Guardian Knight had to say. He was, after all, looking to be a guardian himself. Not to mention looking to be a padawan. Or a Knight after that. Heck, everything that was going on right now was exactly what he'd hoped for. Then she said something that ignighted joy from deep within Zorn:

"You are quite skilled for your age."

Ya got that right, he thought,though this kind of arrogance was somewhat out of character for him, this was after all a unique occasion, she's complimenting me, this HAS to be a good thing...

"I would be honored if you would be my padawan."

There it was. The words every youngling hopes to hear some day, that they hope to hear and may one day utter themselves. It was a magical moment for Zorn. It had been spoken. She had just offered to take him as her padawan. The nervousness that Zorn rarely felt quickly dissapated. He was as light as a cloud now. He took a breif second to compose himself. Multiple emotions and thoughts were storming about in his mind, and he realized that he had been standing their without uttering anything for a good ten seconds. The only motion he had made in those past ten seconds was blink, an unreadable face gazing at this Jedi Knight.

Actually, Knight Zalq, the honor is wholly with me. I would be so grateful to become your padawan.

[Mara]

As they walked, Xierra waited to see how the young Zabrak would react to her request. She figured he must be expecting something like she would ask, considering the amount of other Knights who attended the tournament and were also now getting acquainted with their padawans. But she also felt a little surprise emanating from his Force presence, though the overarching emotion was mostly... elation?

She couldn't believe that anyone, especially a youngling, would be happy to have her as his master. But, then again, she thought, he had no idea how inexperienced she actually was in these types of matters. However, the Falleen had her Jedi duty to do, and she would make an effect to excel in this as she had with anything else prior. Xierra decided then that she had to put all her reservations aside and do her best to train this young one. He was counting on her, and if she disappointed him, it would be more than just him failing.

Xierra bowed her head slightly as she accepted and smiled at him. "Wonderful," she answered. As they continued walking through the hallway, she realized she hadn't gotten his name yet. A little embarrassing, to say the least, but at least it would be something to talk about before she had to think of what she needed to do first with her padawan. "What's your name, young one?"

[Casual]

Zorn was enjoying every second of this turning point in his life. He was suprisingly giddy, and decided that he should relax a bit. He took on the calm demeanor he usually had. This was a great honor and big step, he didn't want to spoil it. Xeirra repsonded to his acceptance with "Wonderful." It really was, thought Zorn.

As they proceeded down the hallway, thoughts of the great and amazing future filled Zorn's mind. Then, Xierra asked:

What's your name, young one?

Zorn was suprised, and admittantly, somewhat embarassed. He had not introduced himself. How could he go about having a Master who didn't know his name because he didn't take the initiative to tell her.

My name is Zorn Arcron. I one day hope to be the bane of all Dark Jedi and Sith everywhere as a Jedi Guardian. To bring the message of the Jedi Code to all peoples that justice may prevail. At least, that's what I hope to do. So what about you? What do you hope to do?

The noble and virtuous cause Zorn promoted, it seemed, leaned a bit on the quixotic side. Maybe he had been watching too many holocrons, or reading too many stories from the archives. It didn't matter to Zorn. It was his dream, and dreams like that aren't easily shattered. It was also out of sheer curiousity that Zorn asked what it was that inspired Xeirra. This was to be his master after all. It wouldn't do not to get to know the one who would take care of you and train you for the next ten years of your life. So ask he did.

[Mara]

Smiling at his grandiose words of hope and promise, she nodded as she looked over at him again, her black hair swaying a bit with the movement. Time and the Force would only tell if everything he wanted would come true. "Well, Zorn Arcron, for now on you will be known as padawan Arcron." Xierra had no idea where these words were coming from; just hearing herself speak was almost like listening to a foreign language. Perhaps the simple of pushing away any of her doubts had brought this eloquence and steady countenance on. Or maybe her former master was assisting her through the Force. Either way, it was something to get used to.

Now that the introductions and minor formalities were complete, Xierra had to take some time to consider her new padawan's questions, knowing he must be waiting with undying participation for some grand insight into the Jedi Order from one of its members. Xierra decided to go with honesty, even if it might dash some of the Zabrak's illusions. "As for myself, I hope to serve the Jedi and the Republic to the best of my abilities and knowledge, young Arcron, as you must also do."

[Casual]

Well, Zorn Arcron, for now on you will be known as padawan Arcron.

Simple words that brought up great feelings in Zorn. It wasn't so much that this was the next step towards his dream, rather, that even being a padawan held adventures for him. There was so much that the future held for him, much more than he could even himself understand. He was, after all, only eleven years old, how prophetic could he get? But this wasn't all about his new position as padawan. No, there were many aspects to this he hadn't yet wrapped his mind around or even aknowledged so much. Specifically his new master. He didn't really know her too much, though he'd seen her around before, he didn't know much else. What about her? Zorn landed back in the present tense just in time to hear Xeirra's response to the question he'd all but forgotten, but was still very much interested in.

As for myself, I hope to serve the Jedi and the Republic to the best of my abilities and knowledge, young Arcron, as you must also do.

Well now, not as fanciful an answer as Zorn's had been. Zorn knew his goals to be somewhat eccentric and almost whimsical ideals. Though he somewhat expected something more. She was after all a defender of the galaxy. A keeper of peace. Though maybe this was all just Zorn's perspective. Surely there were things that Zorn just didn't know. Maybe he was just romanticizing ((though it wasn't the particular word he thought, his vocabulary isn't that stellar)). Regardless, he knew there was much more to it than that at least somehow, but in order to find out, Zorn was more than willing to wait. Instead, he questioned her on more pressing and interesting matters.

So, what's our first "order of business"? Do we go on a mission or is there some kind of initiation? I'm just ready to get this started.

He smiled a wide smile. He was quite an idealist, childishly so, but he was also a fighter and would unfalteringly fight for his ideals. Hopefully his new master would teach him just how to do so, or maybe she had other plans in mind. It didn't matter so much. Apparently he had still yet to overcome his almost giddy excitement.

[Mara]

She sensed a little disappointment in Zorn's Force presence upon his hearing of her response. Xierra wasn't sure what else she could have told him, though, thinking about it, her answer did seem a little forced and out of the Jedi holobook. Oh, well, it was said and done, and there wasn't much she could do to change it. The young Zabrak would find out soon enough what she was all about just by following her around on anything from minor errands to missions off Coruscant.

Thinking of that very thing, there was his next question. Xierra smiled; the boy was so full of energy yet. She wanted to make sure he remembered this day fondly, and so thought it was best to keep things fairly quiet. The day Tran Revisc can up to her to take her as his padawan was one of her key memories. Xierra didn't want Zorn's memory to be ruined by his master forcing him back to his studies or sending him for some lunch. It would be best to just go somewhere quiet and talk. Figure each other out. The rest of the formalities could wait till morning.

"Well, I think we will just head out to one of the courtyards, perhaps to the Room of a Thousand Fountains. We can have a good chat together." She smiled at him again. Xierra was eager herself to get moving and do something, but now she had other responsibilities. She couldn't just go off with some of the other Knights for a friendly duel or deep conversation anymore. Which made the thought of attending a class on martial arts in the next day or two all the more complicated. But she pushed that in the back of her mind. It was time to build memories for her padawan. "Come," she nodded at him. "Follow me."

The Falleen Knight weaved through the hallways, hoping her padawan was trailing behind her, as she made her way to the Room of a Thousand Fountains. The place was always were her former master would send her to meditate on a lesson or simply to meditate on the Force. It was more than just a simple room, more like a large garden within the Temple, filling with lots of water and foliage, with pathways throughout. When finally the reached their destination, Xierra walked forward to one of the fountains and stood looking at it quietly, giving her new padawan time to calm himself as well.

A few minutes later, without turning around, she asked him, "What do you see?" There was no right or wrong answer; Xierra just was curious to see how he would respond.

[Casual]

Well, I think we will just head out to one of the courtyards, perhaps to the Room of a Thousand Fountains. We can have a good chat together. Come, follow me.

He could tell that there was something on her mind, but could not figure out what. There was probably much more to this decision weighing down on her than he could understand, though he couldn't be sure. He resolved to follow her and figure things out as they came, no use just speculating things. He liked the idea of getting to know each other though, to have a chat. Though it wasn't nessisarily what he had in mind, he was in no way in objection to it. He smiled as she led him to the place.

When they reached the room Xeirra walked up to the fountain and looked in. They stood there for a few minutes, during which Zorn gazed about the room. It was quite magestic, harmonic and peaceful. It eminated calm from every square inch. It was an amazing feeling. After a while Xeirra asked him a question that somewhat caught him off-guard.

What do you see?

He had already been pondering the answer before there was even a question. How could one not in a place such as this?

This place is amazing, there's just so much to see! I see peace and harmony. It's everywhere. I see calm and a hint of relaxation. I see many plants too, he laughed, then grew serious, I see something that the whole galaxy deserves to see. I mean, just look at this place. It brims with peace and joy. Shouldn't our galaxy be like this, too? Don't we deserve peace like there is in this place?

Zorn paused for a moment, and mulled over the thought that had just entered his mind. He saw peace and he wanted to bring it to others. It was something he had long known, and this Room of a Thousand Fountains proved only to strengthen his resolve.

But I also see beauty. I see the garden for what it is, a garden. And the fountains as fountains. Marvelous as they are they are fountains, and shall always be fountains. But the peace is everywhere. So peaceful...

He trailed off, lost more in his daydreams than his thoughts. He found that this place was just as enjoyable as his visits to the archives and holos were. The balance between calm and noble excitement was that much more clear to Zorn. He was glad his master decided to take him here.

[Mara]

A smile crept over her reptilian features as she continued to stare into the fountain. His words warmed her heart, words of an innocent. Xierra Zalq wondered how long his sense of bringing peace in the galaxy would last, how long till he lost his innocence and become jaded, as all beings would become in some form or another. Even the Jedi were not immune; some of them being all too aware of the violent troubles littering every world. She hoped to the Force that he would retain some of his naivete it for a bit longer. Not enough to interfere with his training but enough to keep him in touch with the good that still existed.

She turned around then, as he went on with his thoughts. Xierra nodded. It was good that he saw the Room for what it was, just a beautiful room filled with water and flora. Though, he came back to his sense of peace, Xierra knew it wasn't quite what he was mentioning before. Zorn seemed to be feeling an inner peace now. She nodded, finally breaking her silence. "Hold on to that sense of peace, hole it up inside of you. It could be your strongest ally in the future." The Knight remembered her own master saying something similar to her, knowing that even in the darkest times, a small sense of peace and tranquility could be the one thing that helped one back to the light.

[Casual]

Hold on to that sense of peace, hole it up inside of you. It could be your strongest ally in the future.

Zorn took her words to heart. They carried much truth to them, it would make sense to keep these things inside him. As for the future... what could it be that she meant? Surely things couldn't be as horrible as she makes it seem. If peace is to be his strongest ally, then there must be much more in the galaxy than he thought. The philosophies he was taught and the holovids he saw and the holobooks he read, surely must have been exaggerating the evils of the galaxy. Then again, maybe he was thinking too hard and reading too much into her words. Either way, the peace and calm that ran rampant through the Room was just too heavy for him to continue his worries on the future. What was to come, would come. Then another thought protruded into his mind, another curiousity. It arose from her curious response, and he couldn't help but ask it.

So then Master Zalq... what do you see?

[Mara]

Xierra pursed her lips, considering his question. She turned around again to study the fountain she had been looking at earlier when her padawan had described his feelings of peace, inner and outer. What did she see when she was in this Room, staring at all the beauty? Again, she thought back to her earlier members when her master would take her here or ask her to come on her own to mediate on that day's lesson. She had cherished those times when they had been at the Temple. Most of her training had been spent off-world, on official missions or just training exercises Master Revisc had come up with.

Her eyes and voice got a little wistful as she recounted her memories, staring at the fountain but seeing something inside of herself instead of the flowing water. It was getting easier by the day to talk about her memories of her master, gone now to the Force. "I see myself, younger, sitting here with my former master. I see the heated discussions we had. I see my master's lessons, coming here to think about them."

She turned then, looked at her padawan, the young Zabrak. "And I see peace, feel peace. See the Force and feel it." Xierra smiled at him then before stepping away from her place before the fountain. Going towards a bench nearby, she sat and arranged her robes around herself before looking up at Zorn. There would be time later for philosophical discussions. She didn't want to overwhelm the boy.

"Come. Tell me about yourself. What have you been learning?" Xierra felt the best way she could figure out what to teach him in would be to know what he already had learned and what he liked. Perhaps she could mold something that best suited his talents and skills, his personality and aspirations. Something she best start on; he would likely be hers for over the next ten years.

[Casual]

The young Zabrak listened as his master told him what she thought of the Room. How she saw the days of her master and conversation. How the Room also filled her with a similar peace to his own. He heard her tell him of how the Force was also about in the Room. How it's preseance wafted like the peace did. She then sat upon a bench, leaving Zorn compelled to join her.

Come. Tell me about yourself. What have you been learning?

He knew it was bound to come sooner or later. A little quiz one what it was he knew and who he was. He decided to give her a good little run-down. He felt she understood his concepts of a better tomarrow through the Jedi's steady hands. It would be best, he thought, to let her know who he was outside what he'd already been jabbering about for the past half hour or so. As well as what he'd learnt.

Well, Master Zalq, my name is Zorn Arcron, and I've been told I am quite stubborn, but I think you'll be able to make your own decision on that sooner or later.

Zorn smiled at that thought. They would be learning a lot about each other over the coming years. This was just the start.

I'm also quite friendly and I like to have fun. I usually spend the time not in classes with friends or in the archives. And sometimes at the holovids. I like stories from both the 'books and the 'vids. They usually end with the hero on top. That's the way things should be...

As for what I've learned, I have spent more time training with my training 'saber than anything else. I'm pretty good at telekenisis, and using the Force to help me move faster and stuff. I'm not that great at much else though. My training's been the same as everyone's, except I sparred with friends. A lot. Yea... so that's me

He finished with a smile, looking up at Xeirra. The two were in close proximity on the bench, and his face was not far from hers, making the smile that much more effective. Zorn sat ready for a response, eyes sparkling. The garden around them tranquil as could be...

[Mara]

She nodded as she listening, smiling a bit as he told her about himself. About his time spent at the temple with friends and his love for holovids. Xierra herself hadn't put much stock in the fairytales, preferring to spend her free time studying or practicing her lessons of the day from her classes. But she also knew that every being was different, needing different forms of relaxation. However, now that he was her padawan, she very much doubted that he would be able to spend any more time wiling away a few hours with a fictional tale. It would be all business from here on out.

And that was why Xierra had been mostly interested in what Zorn had been learning, not about the little tidbits of his life in the Temple. Even in a few months of training with her, she was sure his answer to that first question would be quite different. His sheltered life in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant would be broken wide open to the realities in the galaxy. The new Chancellor and rumors of war.

Xierra took to memory his thoughts of his training. Like herself as a youngling, he was focusing more on lightsaber combat, than in Force skills. Young Zorn was definitely headed down the path of a Guardian, while he knew it or not. She decided then that it would be best for them to practice their weaknesses together; she didn't want his training to solely focus on skills with a lightsaber. The Force was a Jedi's ally, and one should be able to wield it with as much accuracy as a lightsaber. It would do her some good to spend some lessons with the Zabrak honing Force techniques.

Now that she knew most of what she needed to teach her padawan, there was still a small part that needed clarifying. Which lightsaber form would be best suited to him. Xierra knew that her master had taught her Ataru because he rightly judged that it was the best form for her active body and mind and to keep her aggressiveness stagnant. However, she wasn't sure yet which form would best suit Zorn. She hadn't seen much of his style during the tournament earlier in the day.

Standing from the bench, she turned to face her padawan with a smile. There was no better way to find out than now. Reaching to her belt, she plucked off both of the lightsabers, tossing the hilt with the plain markings and scuffed surface to the Zabrak. Xierra gestured with her own lightsaber for him to stand before her. "Now let's see some of those skills, shall we?" She knew she was taking a risk by giving a real lightsaber to this young one, but her master always felt it was best for one to learn by jumping into the deep end, instead of tiptoeing into the surf. And by that reasoning, she had given Zorn her fallen master's lightsaber.

[Casual]

It seemed to Zorn that Xeirra was lost in thought for a little while. There were some unchecked emotions eminating from her, but it they were somewhat muffled as she was clearly capable of controlling her emotions. This garden must mean a lot to her. Then, as soon as it started, it was over, and it appeared that she was analizing Zorn for a breif moment before she spoke.

Now let's see some of those skills, shall we?

Zorn was a bit suprised. He had expected a bit of a response, but maybe he told her all she needed to know. As he thought this, he caught the lightsaber she threw at him. Instantly, his suprise at her statement disappeared. Here, he felt more at home. There was just something about a lightsaber in his hands that sparked something within Zorn. If felt meant to be. Only after his initail elation did he realize what he held in his hand was no training saber, and what was ignighted in his Master's hands wasn't either.

So, should we just... spar? Or...?

He already knew the answer, and was just too excited to compute it. The aspect of danger had the opposite effect on him. He was ready to rumble. He ignighted the lightsaber, which erupted in a deep blue. Zorn smiled, though he prefered green, this color was just as appealing in his eyes. All of a sudden, he lept out at Xeirra, ready and raring to go. His efforts were made in precise and meticulous attacks, though his form remained Shii-cho.

He would make a diagonal slash, then horizontal, then a vertical, each move flowing into the other, and attempting to use the previous attack to his advantage. In his previous sparring matches he would try as much as he could to emulate the Makashi form, and was hoping that Xeirra would take notice and teach it to him. It was his favorite of the forms. It had a formal and honoring air to it, it was an extension of his personality. Though he didn't know it, his interpretation was horrible and did not resemble Makashi in the least, and remained more Shii-cho than anything else. Not to mention that she was blocking every one of his attacks with ease. He hoped very much to impress her, and that he wasn't sloppy in his technique.

[Mara]

((Lol.. she didn't ignite her lightsaber yet. ))


Her heart swelled a little in approval, noticing how quickly the young Zabrak's surprise was replaced with acceptance of the task at hand. She was reinforced in her thought that Zorn would be ready for this type of challenge. Any misgivings she had had were gone. Though, she was also glad no other Jedi had been around to see her give her padawan a live lightsaber just hours after becoming so.

She smiled at his eager words, wanting to get into a spar right away. However, Xierra knew the Room of a Thousand Fountains wasn't the best locale for this type of lesson. They would have to find somewhere else that wasn't meant for meditation and relaxation. Somewhere they could still be alone but yet better equipped for a lightsaber duel.

But before she could suggest they move on, he had lit the saber she had given him, its deep blue hue shining in the distance between them, reflecting off the water of the fountains. Xierra had to give the boy some credit, though. She knew that quite a few padawans would be scared if their master asked them to attack them, fearing they would do harm. The Falleen Knight could defend herself well enough, though, and knew this young one wouldn't be able to hurt her.

Quickly her pale green blade sprang to life with a snap-hiss!, blending into the tone of her skin, a similar light greenish hue. Xierra opened her mind to the Force, allowing it to flow through her and focus on herself and her padawan. She felt what he was going to do a second before he did so. Waiting for him to come to her, she easily parried his strokes with simple blocks. Not wanting to strike back but merely defend.

At the last strike he made, vertically, she held her blade one-handed against the blue one, effecting a brief stalemate as the lightsabers sizzled and crackled against each other. He had done well, keeping his strikes varied. The same actions that had impressed her during the tournament hours earlier. But his overall style was still a little choppy and academic. Like diagrams out of a Shii-Cho holobook. Nothing that couldn't be corrected over the course of his apprenticeship.

Xierra extinguished her weapon and his, using the Force. She nodded at him with a smile. "Impressive. Still needs work, but good job." She gestured at the now unlit lightsaber in his hand. "Now let's go somewhere more suited for combat, shall we?" Clipping her own weapon back on her belt, she headed for the exit, pausing briefly to run her eyes over some of the fountains before doing so.

Finding an empty training room, she stepped inside and moved towards the center of it. When Zorn joined her, she plucked off her Jedi weapon and flicked it on, its pale green shade running over her features as she held it up. "Now, again."

[Casual]

After a slight bout of sparring, Xeirra repelled him for a moment by way of a blocking stalemate, and proceeded to extinguish both of their lightsabers with the Force.

Impressive. Still needs work, but good job. Now let's go somewhere more suited for combat, shall we?

Zorn gladly agreed with a vigorous nod, there wans't as much room here as he would have liked, and a practice room would be more formal. He also blushed a bit under the fact of his overeager nature and hunger at the chance to prove himself. Pateince was a principle to be considering too, he chidded himself.

She took him to a practice room and reignited her lightsaber and said:

Now again.

He had already pushed his point, now he was going to give it his real efforts. He threw everything he had at her, though it was clearly easy for her to withstand. He used the Force to aid his movements even, and occasionally threw in a Force push. It was to show her what he was capable of, and had no fear of injury, it was the most fun he'd ever had. He could fight and battle and spar with someone he knew he couldn't beat at the best of his best, and would suffer no adverse consequences for it.

He continued like this for half an hour before needing to stop for a breather. He lept back from the battle, lightsaber still lit, and then walked to the wall, placing his hand on it for support. He took a few quick breaths before asking.

So, how'd I do?

[Mara]

Xierra hadn't really been surprised when her new padawan jumped at her with his borrowed blue blade, immediately striking. It wasn't due to anything she had felt through his Force presence. No, she just felt that she was slowly getting to know this young Zabrak and his tendencies, his personality. She briefly wondered if this was how it had been for Master Revisc, that he had felt like he had known the young Falleen intimately after just a few hours. Of course, she didn't remember that he had been the same Jedi who had discovered her back on her home planet all those years ago. But whatever it it was, the feeling made her heart swell a little, dispelling more of her reservations at having to train a padawan.

Her lightsaber flashed back and forth with ease, blocking his attacks. She never went on the offensive, contenting herself with only defense. Xierra wanted to get a better idea of Zorn's style. He seemed to be losing track of his earlier bout of well-thought out strikes. Instead he was more rash, his blade coming towards hers without much reason. This worried her more than anything; she didn't fear for her life. She was worried that he might be drawing on more influences than just the light side of the Force.

However, she decided to let his moves play out for the moment. Moves that were a little acrobatic as she sometimes fought. The young Zabrak didn't remain on his two feet for the entire time. Xierra could feel him using the Force to aid his attacks, even sending a wave of energy her way; she figured he was trying to unbalance his master. But she deflected it easily enough, having enough warning of Zorn's trick. She kept one hand on her lightsaber and one in the air, ready to defend with the Force if necessary.

They had been at it long enough that she knew if she were a mammal and not of reptilian heritage, she would have developed a bit of a sweat during the short spar with her padawan. Xierra had kept true to her original plan of defense, letting Zorn barrage her with lightsaber and Force attacks, defending or swatting them all away. Her grasp of the Force gave her a little edge on the young one, feeling that he wasn't concentrating much on what she was doing. She'd even left the ground herself a few times, jumping over a low attack or ducking from one aimed high. Though clearly a bit reckless and getting sloppy in his tactics, Xierra could see the potential that lay in the back of his mind.

She had been about to end the fight to tell him so when Zorn disengaged his lightsaber from hers and went to stand by the wall.
Xierra lowered her weapon and walked a few paces to where he was, breathing heavily. The Falleen herself had barely ruffled her robes during the encounter. He had a lot to learn, but she was sure that she would be able to instill in him the right values, seeing traits in him similar to her own younger years. Maybe Master Revisc himself had somehow sent this padawan, so clearly alike to her younger self, to her for a reason.

Her master had always believed in honesty, even if it hurt. She focused her dark almost black eyes on her padawan. "You are getting sloppy. Acting before you're thinking, not using the Force to its full potential. And though I admire your energy, it could be a downfall during a long fight." Xierra deactivated her weapon but kept it in her hand. "The Force can help you decipher an opponent's actions. Use it to focus on their attacks and your own."

The Knight smiled then. "But..." her master had also been a believer that compliments could get you farther than rebukes. "But I see a lot of potential in you. If you just hone your focus and think more before you act, your dueling skills will get much better."

She clipped her lightsaber to her belt. "Now, what do you say to heading to the cafeteria?"

[Casual]

Zorn watched as Xeirra lowered her lightsaber and walked over to him, as he was panting slightly, she addressed him, he was certain he’d done well and was ready for a good review. He prepared to accept her criticism with a smile, as it was sure to be good.

You are getting sloppy. Acting before you're thinking, not using the Force to its full potential. And though I admire your energy, it could be a downfall during a long fight.

His confidence fell. He knew there would be some kind of constructive criticism, but he didn’t know just how much. After, all, he’d been sheltered into a world of younglings and teachings. He wasn’t necessarily devastated, but he had set such a high standard for himself and this response what he had expected. He resolved that he would just have to try harder, and not to worry too much. It was then that the kudos came.

But... I see a lot of potential in you. If you just hone your focus and think more before you act, your dueling skills will get much better.

This served to raise his spirits a bit more, he wouldn’t let this dissipate criticism he’d just received, after all, he was learning, and one can’t learn unless they focus on their weaknesses and improve, now can they? He smiled broadly at being told he had potential, he liked that, and in a way, it also bolstered his resolve even further in bettering himself. If he had potential, then that meant he had the ability to do better, and if he was able to do better, then he would do so. He turned and smiled back to Xierra, but just before he opened his mouth, she spoke saying something that would change his day for the best.

Now, what do you say to heading to the cafeteria?

His stomach growled in unison with his response.

Definitely.