It'll Be Just Like Starting Over

[Charlie Sharper]

It was another busy day for most of Coruscant's populace, which was upwards of a trillion lifeforms, and a midst it's sprawling cityscape was a Temple of light and the focal point of Force energy on the planet. There, Tem Farelle, twenty-six year old Jedi, finished his run around the Temple as he had so many times before, in fact it was the second time he finished it today. He would always run at the beginning of the day, but it accomplished more then simple exercise, it was a calming and meditative practice that Tem had instilled in him at a very young age. This was something that Tem needed today of all days, his mind wondered back to the council chambers the night before. He had received a summons to the Council's meeting by way of a youngling with blonde curly hair. The child informed him that there was a special item that the Council would need his help with. It was just before knight fall when the Council was finishing their session for the day and Tem was finally shown in to the chambers.

He stood before the Council members in attendance, looking over to Vreem's empty seat, the only one he really knew on the council. In the short years he spent on Coruscant Tem had grown to call the Council member his friend, but he was absent on this day. Tem frown inwardly feeling that whatever the Council had called him for was more then just a mission or something of that sort.

A Council member he recognized but had never met asked him."How have you been lately, Knight Farelle?" "I have been good." Said Tem in an unsure tone, not seeing what this was leading to. "You have been a knight for almost four years, have you not?" "Yes Master" "How has your knighthood been?" "It has been eventful Master. Taking what missions that are asked of me."

"Have you ever taught any of the youngling classes?" Asked a female council member, Tem turned to her. "No master." "Why?" This was a tougher question to answer. Tem thought about it for a few moments before speaking up again. "I've never given it much thought, but I suppose it would be that I don't feel qualified." His thoughts turned to Heldo, how strong he had been and how he always seemed to know what to say when it needed said.

"You're thoughts are of your master, are they not?" She asked, it wasn't so much that she read his mind but that it was written all over his presence. "I knew Heldo for years before you became his charge. He didn't feel qualified either, but he never let that stop him from teaching the younglings, let alone taking you or your predecessor on as his apprentices." Said an older Jedi. Tem thought on this for a moment. "I suppose that is possible." "No one is ready to teach what they know, it is not ours to decide when we are ready, only ours to do as we must when the time comes."

Tem was unsure of where this was leading, but he had some ideas. "Is that the purpose of this summons?" "Tem Farelle, it has been observed by some of this Council that you have learned much in your life, and that some would benefit from such experience." Said the first Council member. There is a boy, Vance Asano. The council would like to meet him, and if you see fit, take him on as your Padawan. This is a request, not an order, if the force wills you to it, then it will be approved by this council."

To say Tem was shocked was to say the least. The council was asking him to take on an apprentice? It was a lot to process for the young Knight. The more he thought of it however, the more he felt at peace with the news. Heldo had always told him that one day he might take on an apprentice of his own, and if that day came, he would be able to. Even Vreem had hinted at it after a spar in the training hall. "If it is the will of the council, and the force, I will see it done." He bowed and saw himself out of the chambers.

What feelings of confidence he gained from the council did not last the night, after reading the data file on the young padawan Vance Asano, he felt especially torn about this whole affair. The boy had just lost his master not a month before. He identified with the boy, having lost people he held close in the past. Tem even knew his former master, Jedi Master Ra Shon-Tul, not as a friend, but more as a colleague.

His mind dwelt on all these things, instead of where he was, now standing outside the gates of the sprawling Temple that he called home. Master Felnar would have been very cross with him, "There is nothing that should occupy your mind more then the here and now" The Khil would often lecture when Tem was young. He heard those words as if he were standing next to him. They gave Tem resolve and strength to clear his mind of everything. He walked toward his quarters and after freshening himself, set out to met young Vance Asano.

[Fromikeable]

Vance had began the day as he always had following his return from Agamar: meditating. He had woken up, meditated, ate, meditated, cleaned himself, meditated, clothed himself, and finally meditated.

Vance found that since his return, meditation was all that kept him sane. If someone so much as mentioned the name Ra Shon-tul, Vance would be reduced to hysterics if he didn't find peace immediately. The meditation also helped him deal with the problem better than any discussion could, and reminded him of happier times when he and his master would meditate together (a thought that repeated the cycle).

Today, however, Vance had new food for thought. As he continued meditating around sunset, he had decided to venture to the Archives in hopes of finding some solitude in an interesting piece of history. As he departed his room, however, a youngling stopped him, nearly slamming into his being in the process. After the youngling regained his sense of thought, he happily exclaimed that Vance was wanted before the Council.

Vance thanked the youngling, but paused after his departure. Do they want to see if I'm still capable to be a Jedi? he thought. I have been regrettably emotional the last week or two. Vance sat on the floor with a wall to his back. What could they do with me? Relegate me to the Corps? Or... The thought made the young padawan shutter. To think the Council, or any person could possibly accomplish in replacing Master Ra Shon-tul forced Vance back into meditation.

After a while, Vance decided he was only speculating; there was no guarantee he was right. Hoping this was the case, he set off for the Council room. Along the way, Vance decided to detour through the library. As he silently strolled through, he managed to weakly smile at the Archive-keeper and nod to another padawan he knew, grateful they decided not to talk to him.

Before he left the Archives, Vance noticed a young man sprawled over a pad. He wore odd goggles and seemed very deep in thought. Vance, fending off his curiosity, walked on, deciding that the Council was a little more urgent.

The Council wore grim yet joyous faces as Vance appeared before them. While Vance smiled back, he couldn't help but feel that they were wasting their sympathy. As he smiled, Vance scanned the faces of the Council. He didn't recognize any of them, making his smile damper ever so slightly.

Greetings, young padawan, said a female Jedi at the head of the circle. How do you fare? Vance hesitated to answer. He wanted to be honest, but did not want to explode with emotion before the wisest people he knew of. I fare... well, I suppose, he said, trying to quell any shake in his voice.

His act was obviously lost on the woman, however, as she replied Firstly, I would like to say that for a padawan, you have done well in handling this problem. You have been meditating much, have you not? Vance nodded, responding with a simple Yes master. The Master Jedi nodded as well, as if this was the correct answer. The room was silent for a few uncounted moments as an aura of understanding filled it; something Vance had hoped to feel since his master's death.

Feeling slightly better, Vance took the initiative: Why have you called me, masters? The Councilwoman smiled and nodded to a man sitting diagonally to her. He sat up and said rather firmly The council has determined that, for your sake, it would be best if you... found a new master.

Vance's face immediately sagged. This was what he dreaded. Trying to retain himself to the best of his ability, the padawan lowered his head and clasped his hands. The very idea that these wise men and women could say such a thing almost made him curse them.

The Master Jedi obviously picked up on this initial repulse. He softened his tone a little and continued This, of course, will only happen when you are ready for it. It is simply by thought of the help you could use that the Council puts this forward. Vance found that this wasn't a totally odd thought. While no one could ever replace Master Ra Shon-tul, Vance felt that at least he could be doing something to take his mind off his troubles. The best way to mend a broken heart, after all, was with the engagement of the mind. Still, he was unsure. Who... who would take me, master?

The Councilman seemed happy to hear this, for he grinned and picked up a pad. After activating it, he handed it to the padawan. Consider this man: Jedi Knight Tem Farelle. A Jedi not too unlike yourself. Vance immediately recognized him; he had seen him in the Archives. That could only mean that the pad he was reading was on Vance himself. Intrigued, the Council sat silent as Vance slowly scanned the Knight's biography; he too had lost a dear friend. The name Heldo seemed familiar, but the young padwan couldn't quite remember where he had heard it before. Vance felt empathetic; Tem must have been in a state similar to his own.

But still, thought the padawan, he's no Shon-tul. Vance broke his gaze from the pad and asked Am I allowed much choice in this matter? What do you recommend, masters? The Councilwoman replied this time: No, my young padawan. However, we have all agreed that you should at least give this a chance.

Vance sighed, and then replied that he would attempt this Knight; at least once. This seemed to satisfy the Council, for they sent him on his way after exchanging "May the Force be with you". As Vance returned to his room, he considered his dilemma. Would Shon-tul truly want me to sit around moping? But a new master.. that's seems out of the question... Troubled, Vance headed for the gardens.

[Charlie Sharper]

Tem sat in his room for hours before his run earlier that morning meditating for much of the sleepless night. He sat on his bed with his eyes closed and his feet crossed and meditated in silence. Some of the objects in his room began to float without his realizing it. He was far too busy with his thoughts, he continually attempted to clear his mind with little success. Which was when he left for his run, hoping that it would clear his mind. [See first post]

It was an hour from noon when Tem finally set out to attempt and meet the padawan Asano. He had no idea what he would say or do, but he had to do something. The boy was in pain to which Tem was familiar with over his twenty-six years, he had felt loss before and could sympathize with the boy. As a Jedi, they encouraged not grow attached to others, but it was inevitable sometimes to feel a bond with another. It was how you dealt with the losses in life that separated Jedi from others, or at least that's what Tem always told himself.

He had arrived at the Room of a Thousand Fountains several minutes later. It was much like the Temple itself, despite being located in the center of the bustling city-planet of Coruscant, it was peaceful and tranquil. Tem had found himself here whenever he was having any kind of trouble that simple meditation couldn't solve. It had a strong Force presence even among the Temple, one could feel it's connection to the force upon entering every time. It was here that Tem felt was the best place to meet the young boy. He stopped a youngling that was wondering the room. "What are you doing, young one?" "Just waiting for my next class to start master." Said the boy meekly. "Could you run an errend for me by chance?" "What do you need me to do?" "Do you know of Padawan Vance Asano? Could you ask him to meet me here?" "Yes I can." The youngling bowed to Tem, who bowed back to him before he scampered off to find the padawan. Tem smiled at the boy and after he left, he sat down and began to meditate again, hoping to find what to say to Vance before he arrived.

[Fromikeable]

Vance had begun to find the tenacity and energy of a youngling a bit funny as he was again almost knocked to the ground by one. The pure innocence of the child made his problems seem just a little lighter.

In any event, this youngling told him that his new master awaited him in the Room of a Thousand Fountains; already Vance's destination. Vance again thanked the youngling before the child scurried off talking excitedly.

Vance was again confronted with the thought that had been hounding him since his talk with the Council. Can this man be any replacement to Master Shon-tul? Initially, Vance's answer was a firm and unshakeable no; this man could and would never be Shon-tul. Vance sighed at this thought as he walked. Besides, mentally remarked the padawan, why should I give this man the time of day? And what assurance do I have that he is even a good person?

It was at this point that Vance reached the Room. His thoughts were interrupted as he noticed the beauty and serenity of the room as he always did. The water moved without hinderance nor limit, and time itself seemed to slow in notice of the peace.

These thoughts were cut short by the man with the goggles; Jedi Knight Tem Farelle. Taken aback by the sight of who was supposedly his new master, mixed emotions flooded the young Jedi much like the water that surrounded him. Part of him wanted to attack this man; he who thought he could replace Shon-tul. Another part wanted to run from this harsh future layed out before him. Yet another desired to urinate.

But it was now that Vance heard a single word; a resounding piece of advice he could not deduce the origin of: Patience. He whispered it to himself, but only heard the voice of Shon-tul. He mumbled it again: Patience. You must have patience. His fury subsided, and was replaced only by more sorrow. His master's ultimate piece of advice had failed him. It's supposed to prevent this, the padawan thought, not cause it. He sighed, and again looked upon the man before him. He seemed not to have taken notice of the padawan's entrance.

Vance again felt the urge to mediate. Turning on his heel, he positioned himself before a large-triangular fountain that produced a soft gurgle. Crossing his legs, the padawan rested his hands on his knees and closed his eyes. As he abandoned his sight, he allowed the Force to surge into his body with it's soft, strong embrace. As it flowed through, he relaxed his body and loosened his position. As he could sense small droplets of water slow behind him, the padawan again experienced the thing that kept him sane the last few weeks: the fact that he was only a small part of the Force.

Sighing again, this time in content, Vance began to reach out with the Force, feeling around him. He felt the edges of fountains, the coolness of water, and lastly, the similar presence of a man in deep concentration.

[Charlie Sharper]

Tem sat in silent meditation as he waited on the young Vance Asano. Behind him he could feel two knights discussing the state of affairs on Ryloth. A group of Younglings was lead into the room by their instructor as he talked about how the of the Room of a Thousand Fountains was built and what it means for the Jedi. Outside the room he could sense the coming and goings of several Jedi from youngling to master rank as they walk down the halls of the Temple. Finally he sensed something new in the room, before he entered Tem already could feel his apprehension. As he walked toward Tem, Tem neither Opened his eyes or got up from where he sat. He just allowed the padawan to sit and begin to meditate. "Welcome padawan Asano." Said Tem in a calm tone to the young man across from him. "I am Tem Farelle." Tem had assumed he already knew, but he felt that a formal introduction was in order. "As you know, the Council has asked that we work together to continue your training."

Tem took a breath and calmed his mind again. "I can not replace what you lost. No one can, but when we lose something it is up to each of us to decide how we move on." Tem's heart felt heavy and his words were labored, and this was bringing up some unpleasant memories for Tem. "I have known what it is to lose a mentor, and while I am not you, nor can I speak to your exact experience, I feel that this is the force's will." Tem opened his eyes and turned toward Vance, if not for his goggles, Vance may have been able to look into Tem's eyes. "Know that I am truly sorry for your loss." Tem then waited to see how the teen reacted.

[Fromikeable]

Vance's throat caught at this blunt acceptance. He had never expected that such problems could be discussed with such little persuasion, or even matter. On the one hand, it was nice to hear a voice filled with not just stale sympathy, but actual empathy. On the other hand, it sent him back into his emotional cycle. The mention of his master reinstated his sorrow, and Tem's apparent understanding made him harder to dislike, filling the padawan with rage.

Vance tried to return to his meditation; he had noticed his breathing had become uneven and a little raspy, and sought to calm himself. He focused on his surroundings again; the gurgle of the fountain, the soft chatting people beyond the Fountains, and the simple hum of a small creature at the room's far corner.

After some time, the padawan regained control of his emotions, and he opened his eyes to see his new master. Turning to his right, Vance could see the man was rather tall as evidenced by his long legs. His hair grew free and natural, nearly reaching his shoulders. By the look of his features, he couldn't have been much older than 20 or so.

Vance again noticed the goggles. Beyond all his emotion and mediation, they irked him. If he had learned anything on his own, it was that you could always learn something from looking a person in their eyes. The fact that he couldn't see his supposed master's troubled him.

Vance decided that it was time to speak. Greetings, Tem Farelle. I am indeed Vance Asano, he repeated, seeing as it was only right to return respect. At this, the padawan sighed and realigned his gaze to fall on his own legs. Deciding honesty was best for this sort of thing, Vance said rather bluntly I appreciate the condolences, but for now they are lost. And please... I'm... I'm not ready to...

Vance stopped his sentence. It was easy to say master; it was a simple word. He just couldn't bring himself to say it to this man.

[Charlie Sharper]

[Warning, things are about to get blunt.]

It didn't take much training in the force to sense the torrent of emotions that raged inside the boy. It was plain to see the boy was in pain, the whole room permeated with feelings of sadness, Tem could feel them bringing up his own feelings of loss. He pushed them down, bringing his mind back to a calm flow. The force slowly flowed through Tem, giving him strength. He was unsure how to approach the boy for a moment as he came close to that darkness, but the boy was working admirably to stave it off. Tem was familiar with that darkness, that pain that you can't let go of, that offers you solace with open hands, only to drag you farther down if you take it.

Tem took a deep breath, then spoke quietly to the boy. "As I have said, I can not restore what you lost. I know the hurt of losing something you hold dear, the empty feeling that is left but as I said, it is up to each of us to decide how we deal with what is left." Tem stopped and took another deep breath. "There is a choice in front of you padawan Asano. It is a tough decision to make, but you must make it. Will you keep the hurt with you and let it drag you down? Or will you learn to live with what happened and let go of your pain? It is a choice that all must make at some point if they follow the Way of the Jedi."

Tem stood up and looked down at Vance. "I'm not asking you not to care. I'm also not asking to take his place..." Tem waited a moment, not sure if he should continue. He was about to face the boy with a decision that no one should have to make at his age, yet so many had to. "You have to decide, will you carry the pain with you or will you let go of it and learn to live with what happened?" Tem then turned and began to walk toward the entrance of the room. Tem stopped and without turning back, spoke again. "The Council has asked me to be your master. I haven't accepted yet. They wish you to continue your training, but I have no interest in forcing you to learn. I will come for you tomorrow and if you wish to be my apprentice, I shall teach you. If you do not wish for this to happen, I will decline the Council's wishes, and you will not be trained. All I ask is that you spend the next few hours considering what the second option will mean. You are a promising padawan young Vance Asano, but it is your choice, not mine." Tem then walked out through the doors toward the Temple, hoping the force would guide Vance to the correct path.

[Fromikeable]

Vance sat in agony. This man's blatant challenging of his will wasn't what had surprised him. He had already expected it in a sort of way. What shocked him was the way he said it. The simple, calm, firm tone that he had said it in. It was so eerie; so familiar! Vance closed his eyes; the cycle was happening again.

After a while, Vance considered the Jedi's words. A choice, considered the padawan. But it's not just as simple as dropping the pain. If that could happen, it would've occurred long ago. Vance raised his hand to his chin, pondering. But.. perhaps the answer is just as simple.

Vance meditated on this for the next hour or so. It's not as though this man speaks out of spite and intolerance. He is, of course, a Jedi, and even then one who has also lost his master. Vance unfurled his legs and stood. Aside from the Jedi's departure, the room was unchanged; the sound of water still flowed untouched.

Vance frowned. Seeking a new place to think, he meandered the halls in thought before coming upon a balcony overlooking the city before the Temple. He watched as speeders and ships zoomed to and fro, careless of eachother and regarding only time. Time... Vance thought. A factor that had proven crucial in his experience. What did Shon-tul say? "Time is your enemy lest you retain...

Patience. There is was again. The one thing Vance had tried above all else, and the one thing that had ultimately failed to help. As Vance considered his time spent waiting, he grew angry. Why did Shon-tul's best piece of advice prove so useless!? the padawan demanded, curling his hands into his fists before laying them on balcony's banister. All of these people below him lacked patience, and yet how did they suffer? Did they sulk so when they lost someone dear?

Vance remained in this position unchanged until nightfall, not willing to move. As the planet cooled, Vance began calm. And as he calmed, he began to wonder; Has my patience really failed me? He looked up, and noticed the stars. He recalled a time when he and Shon-tul had also gazed at the stars. But this time, no emotion filled him. Only a question he had asked, and the answer he had received.

How many people are there in the galaxy, master? It had been an innocent question at the time. His master had smiled, and then gazed at the heavens with a look of wonderment. Well, how many stars?

Vance counted the stars. 1, 2, 3, the numbers went on forever, and he knew it. Patience, he thought again. It takes patience to count the stars. To see them. To be a part of them together in the Force. Blinking his eyes, Vance focused on a star in particular. He noted its shimmer, and its shape. How can it be so sure that its future will survive? questioned the padawan.

They have patience. It was true. Never before had Vance heard of an impatient star. They lived for eons before so much as changing color, let alone life style. And yet they remained true and clear; a clear manifestation of the Force.

Vance smiled. I must have patience. He grinned a little more. I must have patience like the great stars of the galaxy. The Force has taken back Shon-tul, as is his and the Force's right. And I have been hurt. Vance's grin dampened a little. I have certainly been hurt. But if I am compassionate, and learn to be wise, and to understand the Force... He turned to go inside. Then perhaps...

Perhaps I can learn to be Patient.



The padawan checked the time; it had been 9 hours since the meeting in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Walking briskly to share his revelation, Vance set out to find Tem.

[Charlie Sharper]

Tem walked the halls of the Temple in silence. It had been hours since his meeting with Vance and he was still thinking about what he said; had he been too blunt with the boy? Had he been to unkind to him? 'No.' he thought, hearing it as if his master had said it. "It may be hard to hear, but it is the truth." his master would have scolded. Heldo was never one to mince words, he always knew exactly what to say and when it needed to be said, which always seemed to be when you wanted to hear it least. That was the nature of the truth, it was blunt and sometimes painful but it was, after all, the truth regardless of anyone's feelings. Tem wished he had someone to talk this all over with, but he didn't, he could attempt to find Vreem but there were no assurances that he was even on planet. For all Tem's many acquaintances, there were few close friends. -Perhaps I haven't taken my own advice- Tem thought. He had been hesitant to make new friends in the past few years, instead focusing on his missions and duty to the Order.

Tem was awakened from his thoughts when he arrived at one of the gardens that dotted the Temple. Before him was a group of younglings, no older then seven or eight huddled around a Jedi knight that Tem recognized as Kalia Dorn. She looked over to Tem and spoke up "Hello Knight Farelle." "Hello Master Farelle." the younglings all spoke in unison. "Hello Knight Dorn. I don't mean to interrupt, just wanted to observe the class." Kalia bowed to him and he bowed back, sitting down behind the group of younglings. Kalia turned her attention back toward the night sky of Coruscant. "Where was I? Ahhh yes, as you look out younglings, what do you see with the force?" the younglings looked out at the lit cityscape before collectively closing their eyes. After a moment of quiet thinking, one young female Kel Dor piped up through her rebreather. "The Stars master?" "Yes, and what do you feel?" The younglings began to answer her question and among them they saw much thought the force, it was a simple exercise but an amazing one to to see all the same. Tem began to think about his own days as a youngling, the countless hours in the archives, the classes and training. He saw much of himself in the younglings that looked up at the sky with the force. He then wondered about their futures, countless and unknown, so full of promise. Tem began to wonder how many of them would complete their training and become Jedi, he hoped all but he knew that would not be the case. Each would walk their own path in the years to come.

Tem began to wonder about how much choice they really had, though, the Jedi asked the parents, not the children themselves to be taken to be trained. They would have a master or knight choose them, not the other way around. He thought of how many destinies each of them as Jedi would touch and alter. So much would depend on the choices of their parents and others, how much depended on their own choices? Tem knew of his father's life as a Jedi, for it wasn't as if the Jedi would keep such knowledge from Tem. His father had been a promising Jedi until he left the order. Tem would find out as an adult the reasons surrounding his father's abandonment of the Jedi order. He had to kill a man that was like a brother to him, and he thought he had succeeded until that day on Nadiem when Thrak struck Tem's father down in front of the boy, but it was that event that gave both Tem and his father an understanding about the Jedi that neither had before, the mystery of choices. The knowledge that Jedi actually did have a choice about their lives, and all those years later when Tem faced Thrak as a padawan under Heldo's tutelage that Tem realized what his father learned the day he died. That Tem had a choice to spare or take Thrak's life, and he choose to spare it. That Thrak wasn't an enemy that wished to take everything that Tem held dear, but instead a boy, scared and lost in the world. That he wasn't a monster, but instead someone who felt like their life wasn't in their control.

That is what changed Tem's mind for the years that would follow, and despite loss and pain, he was the one that controlled his destiny and while only the Force knew where his decisions would lead, he could choose to follow the code and only he could choose to be a Jedi. His thoughts returned to Vance Asano, as it was the same choice he posed to the boy not twenty four hours before. He silently hoped the Force would guide Vance to make the right choice, whatever it may be. And as Tem looked up to the sky, using the force to see beyond buildings and traffic ways, past the light pollution and into the night sky, he spoke up. "Possibilities, knight Dorn, I see possibilities..."

[Fromikeable]

Vance was still untrained in using the Force to sense others, but he understood some of the basics. Every few minutes he would close his eyes and prod his surroundings for a sign of Tem. Despite his efforts, he found nothing.

But this made Vance all the more assured in his revelation; It takes patience to find people too. With every empty room the padawan would simply move on to the next. Finally he returned to the Gardens. As Vance was again surrounded by the sound of water, he decided he would search the Room of a Thousand Fountains, hoping Farelle's presence still lingered.

Among the fountains, Vance tried to sense Tem again. He crossed his legs and sat on the floor, taking a moment to relax. Then he began to let the Force surge through him as his being felt its warm current sway him out of his body. As he drifted outward, the padawan felt around; a fountain, a plant. but no presence of the Jedi. However, something was in the room; a small presence at great peace. Intrigued, Vance moved toward it.

In the nook of a large fountain, Vance found a youngling dozing in a corner. He appeared to be smiling in his sleep as he leaned against the corner; he was very sound. Rise, my friend, Vance said softly, lightly tapping the youngling's shoulder.

The youngling yawned before slowly opening his green eyes; he looked very relaxed. Nearly falling in his attempt to remove himself from his stance, the youngling responded "Hi, Master." Vance smiled; I am not a Master, my friend, but tell me; why are you sleeping in the Gardens?

The youngling's eyes widened with surprise. "Oh no!" He shivered with panic. "I fell asleep during Master Dorn's lecture on the Fountains!"

Vance couldn't help but let out a small chuckle; he was again amazed by the innocence of younglings. Relax, young friend, he said, patting the child's shoulder. I'll help.

The youngling smiled before exclaiming "Thanks!" in a cracking voice. Clearing his throat, the child said "I think Master Dorn said something about star-gazing." Vance nodded; this was an old exercise the younglings were put through, and for once he thanked his youngling mentors that it worked. Let me see...

Vance closed his eyes and sat. The youngling looked upon him curiously as he again reached out with the Force. Focusing intently, Vance prodded the area; he felt the water and tiles of the floor, searching for the smallest wisp of a presence. To his surprise, he found one, and it was that of another youngling. Standing without opening his eyes, Vance whispered to the boy Follow me.

The presence wasn't very old, and yet Vance had great difficulty in following it. First, it went left, into a new room; then it reversed. It seemed to follow a path with particular reason, though Vance couldn't deduce what that reason was; a trait he recognized from his own meanderings. Stopping every minute or so, the padawan led the youngling through the halls.

By a the end of the fifth minute of searching, Vance followed the presence into the Gardens once more. As he turned a corner, his focus was broken by the youngling. Thanks, Master, the youngling said happily, and quickly scampered away. Opening his eyes, Vance saw before him a class of younglings sitting before a female Knight. As the lost youngling skipped to his peers, the Knight stopped her sentence about supernovas and remarked Ah, there you are Kif. Glad you found your way back to the class. She turned to Vance. I presume you led the boy back?

Yes. I found him sleeping near the Fountains. Vance noticed the boy blush, and again noted his innocence; the Force mended the minds of children with such amazement and simplicity. Well thank you then. I'm sorry, I don't know your name. Padawan Vance Asano, he replied, bowing slightly. He noted the features of the room; the ceiling and a full wall were made of glass, giving a great view of the city beyond. What are you studying?

The Knight smiled and replied What we see though the Stars, padawan Asano. She returned to facing her class. And you are all correct, class. One youngling called out But how can we all be right, master? The Jedi smiled, responded in a smooth voice Because the stars, like all things, flow with the Force. It is up to the each and every one of us to determine what the stars hold because for each and every one of us, the Force holds different things. The Knight turned again to the padawan. What do you sense, padawan Asano?

I sense patience, master. The knowledge of the Force guiding that which is patient enough to follow. The Force is not instantaneous, for it contains us all, and we are not instantaneous. Patience makes time your ally, not your foe. Patience gives us the strength to push through any obstacle, overcome any problem, and... Vance paused for a moment; Tem Farelle was in the room, seated at the rear of the younglings. ...and heal any wound.

[Charlie Sharper]

Tem sat at the rear of the class, it was a calming experience to be among so many young minds, it reminded him of himself at that age; searching for life's answers and trying his best to grow in his abilities. He thought back to those simpler days when all he worried about was training and all seemed right with the world, but he knew this wasn't entirely true, there was always wrongs and injustice in the universe, he just didn't know about it then. He laughed a little to himself, the naivety of youth. He prefered being able to do something about the universes evils then not knowing about them. Heldo had taught him the use of that, the drive that it brought to him, that simple knowledge that wrongs could be righted.

As he was thinking of his past, he felt the presence of another arrive, two to be exact. A youngling and an older boy, Tem recognized him as Vance Asano. It had been several hours since they had seen each other and Tem sensed something different about the boy, though he couldn't place what. The youngling scampered over to the rest of the group and sat down in front of Dorn, eager to learn, perhaps a little too eager. "Ah, there you are Kif. Glad you found your way back to the class.I presume you led the boy back?" Asked the Jedi knight. "Yes. I found him sleeping near the Fountains." Tem smiled, so that explained it. Tem looked at the boy to see his ears and face turning red, Tem laughed a little to himself as Vance told Kalia his name and asked her what she was teaching. "What we see though the Stars, padawan Asano." She spoke of how it was up to each of them what the stars held for them. Then she asked Vance what he sensed in the stars.

"I sense patience, master. The knowledge of the Force guiding that which is patient enough to follow. The Force is not instantaneous, for it contains us all, and we are not instantaneous. Patience makes time your ally, not your foe. Patience gives us the strength to push through any obstacle, overcome any problem, and...and heal any wound. Tem listened intently as he spoke these words, he could feel the sincerity in his tone and the resolve of his mind. "True Vance Asano, very true." Said Kalia "Now younglings, off to bed, you all have a early day tomorrow, we start saber training." The younglings all rushed toward the door and Kalia followed them, stopping next to Tem and bowing. Tem returned the bow and she rushed over to help a fallen youngling. Tem smiled and shook his head before walking over to Vance. "Well padawan Asano, have you made your decision? Tem asked the boy finally.

[Fromikeable]

Vance had watched the younglings displace themselves as they left the room. They walked in small groups and pairs, and some talked excitedly about their saber training the next day. Vance couldn't help but smile one last time. Such innocence; all the drive of a person with less of the... He didn't want to say evil, but at the time he couldn't think of a better word. Let's go with temptations.

Tem Farelle approached the padawan; he seemed to move with great purpose. He spoke, above anything else, curiously. "Well padawan Asano, have you made your decision?

Vance took a breath before thinking one last time. Am I really ready to take on a new Master? The padawan looked at Tem, and Tem looked back. Perhaps not, thought the padawan, but with patience I will be.

"I've been thinking, Jedi Knight Farelle. I've been thinking of my master, and the one thing he always told to me keep; the one thing that, when lost, takes with it all hope." Vance shifted his height to his other foot. "It's so easy to forget to be patient. And that means that it's easy to, well, falter." He glanced at the Jedi. "I'm sure you know what I mean."

"But as I've thought about these last few weeks, I realize that I haven't been patient." He intensified his tone. "I woke up every morning just expecting my sadness and anger to fade away, and when they didn't I sulked and cried... But today," Vance looked up, and he grinned, "you broke that cycle..."

And then Vance did something that surprised even himself; he did something he never could have imagined doing. He said it. The word.

"... my master."

[Charlie Sharper]

"I've been thinking, Jedi Knight Farelle. I've been thinking of my master, and the one thing he always told to me keep; the one thing that, when lost, takes with it all hope. It's so easy to forget to be patient. And that means that it's easy to, well, falter. I'm sure you know what I mean." Tem nodded and listened as Vance spoke about his Master and patience. Tem knew it had to be difficult for Vance to speak about, but it was refreshing to hear resolve and, perhaps, a bit of hope in the boy's voice.

"But as I've thought about these last few weeks, I realize that I haven't been patient. I woke up every morning just expecting my sadness and anger to fade away, and when they didn't I sulked and cried... But today, you broke that cycle...my master." Tem was surprised to hear the boy call the Jedi knight his master, and it couldn't have been easy at all for him to say. Tem smiled again. "You are correct, Padawan Asano, patience is the answer to many of the universes problems. I know have been hurting, but in time the pain will lessen, and with understanding you can overcome it."

Tem then said something that someone had said to him years ago. "I am honored to call you my apprentice." Tem bowed to Vance.