Flowers always blossom...in the end (Tarbukk)

[10Tickler]

Twilight approached swiftly through the red-hued, polluted sky of Coruscant, the Sun's path taking it ever-closer to the horizon and casting the dim pallor of a day almost gone. This didn't matter to the woman, who had immersed herself into her own world among the beds of flowers and shrubbery in one of the smaller courtyards of the Jedi Temples.

Pale of skin, and garbed in the white robes of the Jedi Healer, Silene Stellata moved on her hands and knees for the most part, whispering lovingly to the floral arrangements, encouraging them with the softest of breaths as her hair hung over her head, a pale blond streaked with multiple, resplendent colors. Moving towards the end of the beds, she noticed a smaller stem, it's bud still tightly closed, as though awaiting some higher message to open and reveal itself to the world above.

Smiling softly, the Zelosian woman, one of few at the Temple proper, stroked the bud's outer layer tenderly. You shall bloom when you are ready, and will outshine the rest of the garden, won't you? she asked it, rhetorically.

These gardens weren't well known, in fact she had discovered them as a child herself, and as she stood, she brushed her robes off, looking around in wonder at the life that had come forth from the Soil beneath her feet. It was humbling, really, to be present to such an event, and she hoped that she would be here for the Bud's opening.

Classes would be letting out now, Clans of younglings flooding off. Some to the Cafeteria, others to the library, to answer questions that had arisen. Silene's work was done for the day, her duties in the Circle of Healers fulfilled, and she had some time...perhaps she'd go get something to eat in a little bit, but for now, she wanted to enjoy the last few rays of natural light against her nearly-translucent skin.

So she sat, finding a small spot in the Center of the Garden and popping a sugar-free candy into her mouth, savoring the flavor with a smile as she crossed her legs and let her eyes closed. Against her skin, she could feel the lingering warmth of the light, even feel a small breeze blowing through her hair. She wasn't exactly meditating, but merely...enjoying the Gardens in their purist form, through the Force.

[Tarbukk]

The day was drawing to a close, classes were wrapping up and students were beginning to get unsettled. However amongst the younglings glancing at their chronos in anticipation Tarbukk sat on his meditation mat listening intently to the Mon Calamari instructing the class on hyperspace theory. The chrono on the instructor’s wrist let out a light chime and the instructor turned to her students.

”The class has come to an end. We will meet here again at the same time tomorrow.” Her face twisted her species’ version of a smile and she gave a slight bow. ”May the force be with you.” The class responded, as did the young Wookiee, his rumbling growl shattering the synchronized response from the other student in Common. Several of them glanced over their shoulder to Tarbukk who shied away from their gazes.

The students all gathered their affects before moving out of the small circular room they had gathered in. Grabbing his Data-pad Tarbukk climbed to his feet, and began moving slowly to the door. He gave a slight bow to the instructor as she turned off Viewscreen at the front of the class room. <Good day.> He grunted as he ducked through the archway and into the hall now filled with scurrying younglings.

Strolling out into the crowd Tar focuses at his feet, trying not to bump into the younglings below his line of sight, apparently something he had become notorious for based on how everyone made sure to stay out of his way. They all began to go their own ways as they moved down the halls. A small group headed for the dormitories, maybe looking to catch a nap or shower before diner. More separated as they passed the archives and the majority to the mess hall. Next thing the gentle giant knew he was strolling alone towards his favorite place to meditate after a long day. It was quiet, had a great view of the sunset a wide array of floral life and several trees he loved to climb (something he found he had a knack for).

Unfortunately the young Wookiee came here so often his feet carried him there automatically, leaving his mind to wander. He hadn’t noticed that he wasn’t alone in the courtyard until he almost walked into a figure sitting on the ground. Startled Tar took several steps back and bowed to the figure on the ground, he recognized her robes as those of a healer but what caught him off guard was her hair. It was almost platinum blonde with streaks of a wide range of colors, it fascinated the Wookiee.

<My apologies,> He grunted apologetically, < I didn’t see you sitting there.> Hanging his head in shame Tar turned to make his way for the entrance. She probably hadn’t understood him anyways. Few did.

[10Tickler]

(out of Curiousity, would this work for translations for in-character speech?)

Eyes opening, Silene could feel the Flush of the Sun's rays against the skin of her brow and cheeks, even as her eyes caught the form of the retreating Wookie. His fur wasn't as dark as some, but even still, there was no mistaking him for what he was. She had even heard some fleeting Shyriiwook, an apology from the sound of it.

Silene wasn't fluent in speaking the Trade language of the Wookie peoples, but she was capable of understanding enough of it to get by, and standing, she waved her hand a little, closing the door before the Youngling could exit. Oh, come now. No need to leave...this is a public area she said in reply, smiling softly as she spoke, her voice musical, almost like the tinkling of bells in the distance. Feel free to enjoy the last bit of day...this really is a lovely time

Stretching a little, she moved towards the youngling, head tilting to the side as she approached. He was almost able to look her in the eye, which was pretty stunning in and of itself, but the way he carried himself...it didn't feel right, not for one who was clearly capable of being so powerful. My name is Silene...what is yours? she asked, still smiling.

For some reason, she couldn't help but feel Anxious for his response, a tugging in her gut, as though she should know this boy better. It might have been nothing, but if Silene had learnt anything, it was to trust her instincts.

[Tarbukk]

Tar stopped dead in his tracks as she spoke in response. She understood him, at the very least enough to respond which was more than the young Wookiee could say about his peers. He understood Basic as though it was his own language though his inability to speak it was more than an obstacle in many situations.

“ooohu huwhwaworccaooooowa scwo?” (You understood me?) The youngling turned back to face the now standing woman before him. The door through which he had come closed under the command of the healer but the youngling didn’t feel intimidated by the action. He could sense a warmth from this woman that the put an ease to his mind.

She approached him, looking up into his deep green eyes, she stood almost half a foot shorter than him so she was almost capable of looking him directly in his eyes, unlike the others in his clan. Tar shied slightly from her gaze and pulled his robes around himself slightly, a nervous tick he had developed to hide his unusually light colored fur. She introduced herself with a warm smile that brought peace to the Wookiee’s mind.

“Ah rasc aorarcrhhuoror,” (I am Tarbukk) he said grumbled into a respectful bow, “Ra akanworachurcwo aooo scwowoao rooohu.” (A pleasure to meet you) He couldn’t help but glance over her as he stood straight, admiring the red sun’s retreat over the horizon. It was exactly the reason that he had come but he was now far more interested in the pale healer he had almost trampled upon in his arrival.

” Rawascahrcahwhrr aoacwo chuwhcwoao Scracaoworc Cahanwowhwo?” (Admiring the sunset Master Silene) He roared the question though paused a moment afterward, wondering how far her understanding of his language went.

[10Tickler]

As the boy turned in a response to her own comprehension of his Language, the woman smiled broadly, her teeth somehow more pale than her skin, although upon closer inspection, one could see the greenish tinge that her skin bore upon it. His grumbling, already-deep voice seemed to echo, to reverberate through her form as he astonishedly wondered aloud about her ability to understand him, then corrected himself, giving his name to the woman, who nodded.

I am unable to speak Shyriiwook, but I understand a little, enough to get by she replied, noting his motions with a curious eye. It was almost as though the youngling was ashamed of his own skin, which saddened the Jedi Knight a little, but with a shake of her head, she acknowledged his next question. I come out to tend to the Gardens after my shift, and usually stay to absorb what natural light I can she told him, motioning over to the small sitting area. While I can survive on food and artificial light, a Star's rays always make me feel better in the end she added, partially to make him question, but in part to finally explain it to someone else.

As she moved back to her seat, she turned to observe the Young Wookie's movements, noting the ancestral strength in his gait, but...a certain shyness in his motions, as though he were afraid of being too much of himself in front of others. Come and sit, we can talk and learn from one another she said, finally, reaching into her pocket for one of the Sugarfree candies that she kept around for such times, offering it to the Adolescent Wookie, as a gesture of peace.

[Tarbukk]

Silene explained her ability to understand Shyriiwook, at least limitedly which wasn’t uncommon outside of the shipping lanes. The only people Tarbukk had really been able to communicate with were the instructors at the temple and a handful of students although they more often than not got lost in translation.

” Rooohu oararcwo wwoorc aoacwo rrrarcwawowhc?”(You care for the gardens?)” Tar asked, a bit surprised by this, he had thought that it was a task left to the service droids so he was a bit confused to find out that a healer spent her spare time caring after the plant life. He thought for a moment about what she had said then realized what she said about needing light to survive. It was odd, he had never came across anyone who needed light to survive before in the temple or even his studies for that matter. The young Wookiee was bursting with questions but he didn’t want to pry into Silene’s personal life he knew it to be rude and he just wanted to enjoy the interaction while it lasted.

She invited him to sit and speak with her and the Wookiee was more than happy to oblige. Letting his robes hang loose he revealed his shorts and unbuttoned tunic and lowered his lanky figure to the ground onto crossed legs, his robes falling around him. He loved the feel of the grass against his fur, something about it just felt natural. He looked to the small woman sitting several feel before him and he couldn’t help but examine her hair.

” Ahww rooohu waoowh'ao scahwhwa scwo racorahwhrr,” (If you don’t mind me asking,” He began, deciding that it wouldn’t be too evasive of a question. ” Ohacro ahc ahao aoacraao rooohurc acraahrc ahc oaooanoorcwowa coo? Ahc ahao whraaohurcraan?” (Why is it that your hair is colored so? Is it natural?) He ducked his head slightly after asking. It had seemed less intrusive in his head. ” Scro raakooanoorrahwoc scracaoworc cahanwowhwo. Ah waahwawh'ao scworawh aooo akrcro” (My apologies Master Silene. I didn’t mean to pry.)

[10Tickler]

Raising an eyebrow over closed eyes, Silene thought about his questions, remembering her time working in the Circle of Healers. Had she been this full of life? Probably. Smiling at the Wookie, her eyes opened, sparkling with amusement at his curiosity and thirst to know more about the world around him. In some Knights, the idea of asking too many questions was quite alive. Knowledge could always lead to power, to the Dark Side, but to Silene, Finding truth and expanding one's view of the galaxy itself led to greater understanding, and understanding led to peace.

You're going to have to slow down a little for me, I'm not Great at Shriiywook she said, laughing at the onslaught and observing him. If she were right, he would probably act a little shameful at the joking admonition. I tend the gardens because it brings me peace. Droids are wonderful for making life easier, but only life can bring forth more life. Plants feed from Carbon Dioxide, from water, from the sun's light. Machines make chemicals that smother the Carbon Dioxide. she explained, sweeping her hand around, indicating the plant's growth.

And as for my hair...some of it's natural, the Warmer hues like the reds. The other colors I add...to make Curious younglings approach me and ask questions, that I might get to know them better. she said, continuing to his other question without pause, chuckling again. She was clearly very warm-hearted, her smile and laugh infectious as she leaned forward to ask a question of her own. And how about you? she began. It's pretty easy to see that you're pretty big for your age...Have you considered what you want to do with your life? What changes do you want to make in the Galaxy? she suddenly questioned, dropping into Philosophy without warning.

[Tarbukk]

Silene seemed to think for a moment, her eye brows raising while her eyes remained closed. The young Wookiee looked down over her, observing her expression before she looked to him, a smile on her face and eyes bright. She was a curious creature to the youngling. Others weren’t normally this joyous around him let alone while holding a conversation with him. With a laugh in her voice she asked Tarbukk to slow his speech, to help her understand and the Wookiee ducked his massive furry head away, embarrassed by his over eagerness to have someone to talk to.

” Ah raakooanoorrahufwo.” (I apologize) He grumbled quietly though the sound reverberated through his massive being as it always did. However Silene thankfully carried on to answer his questions. He listened intently to the Healer as she explained her reasoning for caring for the gardens. It seemed so simple the way she put it and it all seemed to make sense. Nothing without a life could bring forth life. Sure one could program a droid to sustain a being and all of it’s needs but only life can nurture and care for another life. It was all part of a cycle. ” Ah'howo whwohoworc aoacoohurracao ooww ahao aoacraao ohraro…” (I’ve never thought of it that way…) Tarbukk growled thoughtfully as he looked to the flora in the courtyard. He had always found nature to be beautiful. Well, at least the limited bits he had seen in the Temple throughout his life. He’d always wanted to go to one of the far off planets with massive jungles, towering green mountains or vast valley’s he had scene only in the viewscreens of his class rooms. One day, he promised himself.

She continued on to answer his question of her curiously colored hair and then continued on into a small bit of a laughing fit. Tar couldn’t help but chuckle along slightly, not sure why but something about this curious woman made him feel comfortable and free. Then, however, came the part Tar was not exactly prepared for: the questions about him. She seemed to start on asking him about why he was so unusually large (a question to which the young Wookiee had no answer) but instead, to Tarbukk’s bitter sweet relief she veered off then dive-bombed straight into philosophy.

The youngling froze, his mind began cranking gears as he asked himself these questions. He had never put much thought into the matter. His young mind still had some trouble grasping such a massive subject. Though Tar was intent on the practical part of his studies he had never thought of how he would affect it. After several moments of thought he decided he had taken long enough thinking it over and decided to answer with what he could.

” Ohwoanan... ah chuakakoocwo ah shhucao ohrawhao aooo akrcooaowooaao akwoooakanwo. orwowoak aoacwo rhrawa wwrcoosc aoacwo rrraanrakro wwrcoosc achurcaoahwhrr aoacwo ahwhwhoooawowhao.”( Well... i suppose i just want to protect people. keep the bad from the galaxy from hurting the innocent.) He began, roaring slowly to insure Silene would have ample time to comprehend him. ” Rhhuao ah'sc shhucao oowhwo rhwoahwhrr. Oowhanro oowhwo rascoowhrr oaoohuwhaoanwocc coohuanc. Aoacworcwo'c whoo ohraro ah oarawh akrcooaowooaao wohoworcrooowhwo aoacoohurrac.” (But I'm just one being. Only one among countless souls. There's no way I can protect everyone though.) “ The young Wookiee hung his head, attempting to contemplate the thought then made a realization. ” Aoacraao'c ohacro aoacwo shwowaah oorcwaworc ahc acworcwo rcahrracao scracaoworc? Aooo chuoawowowa rac scrawhro ohacworcwo ohwo wwraahan rac wwwooh?” (That’s why the Jedi Order is here right Master? To succeed as many where we fail as few?) An optimistic look as though seeking approval was shot to Silene, a slight smirk was on his face until Tarbukk caught himself. He quickly brought back his composure to a calm state. He rarely acted his age, always keeping to himself, so the slight outburst felt odd to him.

[10Tickler]

His answer was...flawless. The perfect amount of questioning himself and his own desires to lead to an idea that promoted further growth. If any of the Training masters had been present, Tarbukk probably would have gotten a gold star next to his name somewhere. Her lips closed over her mouth as she listened to him, deciphering his answers and nodding when he reached his final conclusion in the form of a question. Standing, Silene took his hand in her own, spreading her free arm out wide.

The galaxy is huge. Trillions upon trillions of people. Humans, Wookies, Ithorians and even those we haven't discovered. For all those to work in harmony, perfection would be the result. Yet, people...They have a tendancy to put their own desires before the needs of others. she began, smiling as she gave his arm a little tug, pulling him closer. My Mission, if you'd call it that, is to bring peace to the Galaxy by eliminating pain. It's nothing that I could accomplish alone, but it's what drove me to become a Healer. By alleviating some of the pain people feel, they won't become bitter, angry..they won't lash out and hurt others as well she told him, smiling broadly once more as she popped another piece of candy into her mouth and giggled.

Letting his arm go, she spun, soaking in the cooling night air as she did so. You feel trapped, you want to do better in the universe...I know that feeling. My master was a wonderful woman who trained me to see beyond my own views, to try and see how other people might have started feeling like they do. As such...I forgave the man who killed her. she told him, leaning back and falling into some tall grasses, feeling the blades brushing against her cheeks. It was Liberating. As Jedi, we protect the weak, offer hope to the forgotten...and in my beliefs, forgiveness to the Fallen. Protection is but one aspect of the Jedi's life in the Galaxy. Each has a different calling she told him, smiling as she opened her eyes once more, suddenly becoming serious.

I really do talk too much, but...I feel a spark inside you. Fire's not always bad, there are some species that can only grow after a flame has ravaged the land...Will... she paused, thinking, her hands folding as she sat up. Will you come with me, on this wonderful journey that is life? To see the Galaxy, to know the people in it, their hopes and dreams, the futures that they plan? I feel too big for this little temple, and I think you feel the same...I feel the Force, calling out to me to find those in need... and help them, and if you'd come with me, I think we could have a wonderful time about it she finally said, offering the Youngling a chance.

Even if he accepted, they'd have to be approved, to go before the Council, or maybe even the High Council to receive permission, but she felt it, a tingle in the back of her spine, causing the hairs on her nape to raise. This boy, this young man, would make an excellent Padawan. For it is not only the Master who teaches the Padawan, but the opposite. To learn through the eyes of another is the greatest of gifts...at least that's what Silene had been told.

[Tarbukk]

The Jedi Healer seemed happy with his answer, very happy. She stood and the young Wookiee followed her example, his towering figure standing above his companion. She took his massive paw-like hand into hers and began to speak. As she did so the youngling listened intently taking in all that she said. She spoke of the galaxy, its’ inhabitants and the potential the beings had to create perfection but they got in their own way.

She explained her reason for becoming a Healer: her personal vendetta to rid the Galaxy of its pain. A noble cause indeed though not an easy one. She popped another one of her sweets into her mouth then released Tarbukk’s massive paw and began to spin around. Silene continued on, speaking of how she had felt much similar to the youngling when she was in his shoes herself. She spoke of her master, who was killed by someone during her training and her ability to forgive him. She was such an odd being, so full of life and intoxicated with the very energy of the Galaxy. She allowed herself to fall back into the tall grass. At first the young Wookiee went to help her up, but she continued on as though nothing had happened.

Then Tarbukk froze when he realized what she was asking him. What he was offering. A chance to go with her, to work towards both of their goals. She to go fourth and heal the pain of others and for him to protect the people from more pain. His mind swam with images of the changes that would follow. The places he would go. He would be able to leave the Temple, touch the lives of people in need all throughout the galaxy. It wouldn’t be easy of course, in fact it would be harder than anything he had had to deal with as a youngling. He imagined himself as a growing Jedi, working towards his personal goal and working to help the people in need throughout the galaxy. He knew he could learn much from Silene, she was so free and peaceful, he could feel that she was exactly what he needed to grow into fruition and become the Jedi he wished to be.

Realizing he had taken almost a full minute in silence the young Wookiee bent into a deep bow. “Ah ohoohuanwa rhwo acoowhoorcwowa, Scracaoworc Cahanwowhwo!” (I would be honored, Master Silene!) He roared although the reply came out much louder than he had meant it too. When he stood back straight barring his sharp teeth in his version of a bright brilliant slime was formed across the younglings face a look that he didn’t give very often.

The youngling held out his paw, offering to help his Master up. Pending the Council’s approval he could be spending roughly the next ten years at the side of this odd woman, learning from her every move and going to all corners of the galaxy.

” Whoooh ohacworcwo waoo ohwo rroo wwrcoosc acworcwo, Scracaoworc?” (Now where do we go from here, Master?) He asked, not entirely sure how the process had went. He had seen several younglings be selected but he had never been close enough to them to question them on the process.

[10Tickler]

She could feel it, the excitement building in his young body at the thought of her proposal. The possibilities it held for the both of them were more than enough to arouse the desire for instant action, but that wasn't able to happen. Instead, since the sun had dropped, Silene knew that the Council wasn't planning on taking anymore requests. Powerful Jedi Masters though they may be, they were still alive, and therefore required sleep and food...Occasionally.

Chuckling a bit at the thought of how overworked the Poor Councils were, Silene looked Tarbukk in the eye, standing on her Tippy-toes to get a good angle on him. Firstly she began, holding a finger aloft. We eat something, then we get a good night's rest, because we're going to go and visit the Council tomorrow, if they're not too busy with other things and see if we can't wrangle permission out of them she told him, dropping back down onto her heels.

That was...essentially, the basic plan. She didn't really need to eat all that much, but it was good to eat, to enjoy the tastes and smells. She wasn't needed in the Circle tomorrow, not until the evening, and considering how busy the Council usually was, that was probably a very good thing. Still, it was nice to know that there was a plan out there.

So she suddenly began. Wanna eat together? Get to know each other a little better? Or...Would you feel better eating with your clan?

[Tarbukk]

Seeming to chuckle at his question, Silene leaned onto the tips of her toes to look Tarbukk in the eye. First they would eat then first thing in the morning it was off to the Council to seek permission. The youngling felt a knot forming in his stomach, nerves most likely. He didn’t know what to expect being as he had never spoken with any of his clan mates who had been selected. However tight the knot may have been the Wookiee’s stomach let out a loud growl, he may have been taller than the average human already but he was still a growing child.

Silene gave him the choice of going to join his clan or going to eat with her and become more acquainted. The answer was automatic in his mind. He wanted to continue to get to know the woman he would potentially get to spend the next stage of his life with.

” Aoacwo ooaoacworcc ahwh scro oaanrawh cwowosc aooo rhwo oowwwwcwoao ooww scro akrcwocwowhoawo.” (The others in my clan seem to be offset by my presence.) He said with a weariness in his growl. ” Ah rhwoanahwohowo aoacworo wwahwhwa scwo oowawa.” ( I believe they find me odd.) He grumbled with a shrug. It had been that way since they were all small children. The lack of communication alienated him from the beginning and even as some began to understand him they chose to keep amongst themselves, finding the communication with others easier.

Shaking his mane slightly to ward off the feeling of self-pity the youngling stretched, his wide armspan stretching to its full span. Letting his arms fall to his side once more the youngling bowed slightly and held out his arm towards the door.

” Rawwaoworc rooohu Scracaoworc.” (After you Master) He roared with a slight smirk on his face.

[10Tickler]

ohoowhwaworcwwhuan! aooo aoacwo wwoooowa!
(Wonderful! To the Food!) she called out, her Shyriiwook completely off in both tone and accent, but...somewhat understandable as she spun in place a little, pulling the Wookie by his arm towards the door.

Opening it, she thought about what he said about those in his clan, the group that he was supposed to be closest to at this point in his life. Children would be children, yes, but perhaps it was time to speak to the Masters about openly encouraging tolerance and friendship more fully. Either way, it was definitely time to eat! Trusting him to follow her down the hallway, Silene let go of Tarbukk's paw and continued on her way, sometimes skipping, humming all the while.

It didn't take long for the scent of food filled their nostrils, the Cafeteria approaching quickly as the two finally moved into the right set of hallways, the massive open doors to the General Eating place for the Jedi allowing the scents of a variety of different foods for all the differing species that were a part of the Jedi order. In one corner of the room, a small, blue-skinned boy ate what looked like pudding whilst reading from a datapad, ignoring the world around him.

It was just a small sample of the collection of Species and Cultures here, but it was noticeable, and that was what mattered in the end. Going to the line, she placed her IdentiCard on the small computer scanner, letting it read her species and nutritional requirements, then took a plate and started moving down the line.

The Droids behind the counters handled everything, ensuring that the Knight got her daily amounts of Nitrogen, phosphates and all the other things that young adult plants needed to grow just right, all based on her genetic structure. The end result was a fairly unappetizing, but, quite healthy for her, black, pudding-like dish. Taking her plate, she found a place with two open spots and waited for Tarbukk to come through the line and join her before starting.

When he finally arrived, she bowed her head a little, mumbling softly before finally digging spoon into pudding and getting started. With the first few mouthfuls down the hatch, she paused a little, looking at him with curious eyes, as though she wanted to know everything about the youngling. So! she finally began, How have your studies gone so far? Any places you had a problem with that I could help you out with any? she probed, then fell silent. If nothing else, she'd wait for his answer, then let him ask a question or two. This was more for him than her in the end.