Rooftop Encounter (Teer Ka)[closed]

[Res]

It was a peaceful day at the Temple, as peaceful it can be. Tov had decided to try a different spot to practice his saber techniques. Climbing the steps up to the roof was no easy feat even for a Jedi. Reaching the top he made his way over to the wall surrounding the ledge. Placing his hands in his dark purple cloak taking in the sights of the city. It was truly peaceful on top of the Temple.

Standing there for several moments he removed his cloak setting aside. Placing his hands at his sides, drawing from the force he pulled the sabers to his hands. The single-blade single-phased saber in his right and the shoto in his left activated. Both facing back away from his body, he starts in large swooping motions. His feet dancing as he moves across the roof he called home. Anas threw in a couple kick as he picked up the pace.

Several minutes of that Tov deactivated his shoto and hooked it back on his waist. Now with the saber facing forward gripping it with both hand he began with the basics he learned has a Youngling. Slashing right, blocking left remembering when he was a Youngling first learning with his training saber. So many burns on his legs and lekku.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Soon, Teer Ka mused. Soon she would be leaving behind the bustle of Coruscant and heading to the peaceful existence of Shili, a change of pace if ever there was one. Here on the ecumenopolis of Galactic City there were speeders everywhere, in a sky dotted with them. On her home planet the speeder bike she'd arranged to have for transportation would probably draw attention and looks of dubious nature on the part of village elders who knew of no other way.

In the interim, she found she placed a premium on pace and quiet more than ever, and there was a surprising amount of activity going on inside the Jedi Temple. Luckily she knew of the perfect escape, a place where she found little in the way of people and immediate activity.

It helped that Ashla liked it too.

The Togruta Weapons Master reached out a rusty hand to the Corellian Banshee Bird resting on her arm, perched on a gauntlet so her talons wouldn't pierce flesh. Teer rubbed the bird gently in the gap between her wings, rewarded by an unusual sound and a slight spread of the striped wings, signs Ashla was enjoying the treatment.

Master Ka stopped near the top of the stairway, her acute hearing picking up on something. It was a hum coming from up above, the unmistakable sound of an ignited lightsaber. That in and of itself was hardly unusual in the Temple training rooms, but not quite so much on the normally sparsely-occupied roof.

It wasn't that she was paranoid that some crack team of Sith assassins were attacking the Temple via the rooftops, though her detractors probably were under that impression of her. What drove Teer was merely curiosity. This was the hour of the mid-day meal, and most Jedi would be dining.

The new Watchman of Shili climbed out onto the rooftop, the breeze blowing on her headtails and the tall, curving montrals that crowned her head. The distant sounds of far-off traffic wafted on the winds, barely audible even to her.

What caught her eye though was a purple Twi'lek man, perhaps two decades younger than her, practicing lightsaber katas with a pair of blades.

Teer watched him in silence for a few long seconds, Ashla dutifully attentive as well, arms folded as she evaluated his movements with the eye of a seasoned veteran.

Master Ka enjoyed a reputation among the Order. She'd been a relative stranger to those on Coruscant until she'd come from the Dantooine enclave, but on the grassy world she'd been considered the best duelist by many. She'd been fighting with a lightsaber longer than most of the Jedi Knights she met had been alive.

This Twi'lek, he was practicing standard Jar'kai techniques, which Teer had found not quite in line with her doctrine of battle. The extra angles of attack didn't make up for the lack of power. There was a place for locking sabers.

She remained standing on the rooftop observing, waiting to see when he'd notice her.

[Res]

As the Twi'lek Master practiced he could sense two life forms approaching up the stairs. One was very attuned with the force, someone with many years of experience. The other very small, an animal of some kind. Not a minute after he had sensed the pair Master Anas heard the doors of the roof open. Turning still with his cyan colored saber active.

Standing a rusty orange skinned Togruta, that was at the minimum twenty years his senior. On her arm was a Corellian Banshee Bird, Tov had read about them while a Padawan. They weren't known to be great pets, thought it assumed that this one was the exception.

Deactivating he saber hooking it back to his belt. The purple Jedi Master moved his lekku tchin wrapping it over his shoulder to hid the scar. It wasn't that he was ashamed of the scar, he was just knew people would focus on that instead of him. Walking over bending down picking his cloak up, Tov put it back on.

Making his way back over to the Togruta female. "Hello, I amwas Master Tova'nas though you can call me Tov." Tov said with a smile. I hope she's friendly.[/color] Anas thought keeping the smile hoping she wasn't a mind reader. That would be bad first impression if she could.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

The Twi'lek noticed her presence and halted his saber katas, instead pulling one of his headtails around the front of his neck to hide a scar that she'd already seen and noted the presence of. Of course she didn't particularly understand the point of hiding a scar, as she had a trio of clawmarks on the right side of her neck, and a massive whitish scar where a lightsaber had burned into the left side of her face, sweeping down from nearly her temple to the corner of her jaw.

Needless to say, she no longer minded scars.

He introduced himself as Tova'nas, which was a name Teer might have heard on occasion before. Certainly she was no social butterfly however, and such memory of names often fell short for her, as she rarely strayed far enough into conversation to hear them.

Perhaps he was one of those younger duelists people talked about.

The Togruta Jedi dipped her montrals slightly in a gesture that fell short of a bow and over a nod. Normally her hands would have been placed palms together in the move, but Ashla's presence on her arm complicated that.

"Master Teer Ka, Watchman of Shili. You may refer to me as Master Ka."

He might have been content to be called by his first name by others, but Teer was considerably more formal than that. What was more, she was mindful of that age difference. She'd been a Knight before he was even a Youngling, and she wasn't about to be on a first name basis with someone so much her junior.

"Fly!" She told Ashla in Togruti as she swung her arm upward and let the grey and black striped predator dart into the sky to spend some time stretching her wings independently, to be recalled via the Force later.

"Unusual place to train." The Togruta Jedi commented neutrally.

[Res]

"A pleasure to meet you Master Ka." Tov replied with a bow of his own. He had heard that name somewhere before, but she couldn't put his finger on it. Watching the bird fly off into the air, squinting slightly due to the mid day sun. His attention was brought back toward the Togruta Jedi.

It was an unusual place to train, but Tov wanted to get some fresh air at the same time. The Twi'lek Master turned to watch the Corellian Banshee Bird fly as he answered the older Jedi. "Yes, I usually try to get into one of the training rooms. But I thought I would try something different today."

Motioning toward the edge of the roof he reached up and moved his lekku tchin from around his neck. Master Anas didn't move until Teer took her first step. He had learned from a very young age that, even though you are the same rank you still show respect to the elder. They were much wiser and earned that respect.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Different was the correct word. Of course there were plenty of things on the roof, from statues to walkways, but it was surprisingly less than popular. Most people didn't seem to understand the benefits of being outside on Coruscant.

Apparently these two did.

Master Ka idly ran thumb and forefinger along the smooth metal of her lightsaber hilt, passing over each of the indentations that marked a fallen opponent in a duel. It was safe to say she understood lightsaber combat intimately.

"I find sparring with a partner is far more effective as a training tool than practicing against thin air, particularly when proper combat techniques fit like old leather."

Teer was referring to when a task became so ingrained it no longer required constant thought, and was merely done. It was exactly like old leather well-worn in, hugging the form and responding to every movement without resistance.

Combat became comfortable after long enough doing it.

Master Ka was comfortable, and had been for a long time.

"I have very limited time left on Coruscant, but if you require a sparring partner in the next day or two, let me know and I can arrange a session."

[Res]

Tov listened to the Togruta Master speak. She had grace an elegance about her, confidant and wise. He caught her caressing her saber, noticing the slashes on it. Finding it odd that someone would make a hilt like that. Though very few Jedi had a hilt as extravagant as Tova'nas'.

"Yes, sparing with a opponent is a far more effective way. Though, I have found that if I practice alone I can fine tune the aspects of the form immediately." Tov replied, he wasn't contradicting the Master. He was simply conveying his method of learning.

Walking along the path that ran long the perimeter of the roof. He glanced of at Teer, she was focused at all time. He admired her for that, he from a group that was more carefree. Hearing Master Ka offer to spar with him he was somewhat excited. He had yet to find anyone to spar with remotely close to his level. Save for the Battlemaster and the Council, but they had better things to do than spar with a Master. "It would be a honor Master Ka."

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

"If you are ready now, we can commence." Teer suggested in a neutral tone.

It really was more for his benefit than hers. Even if she had been rusty, instead of fresh from combat with Dark Jedi, she still would have been able to spring back into the old habit with minimal refreshing.

On the other hand, this younger Master likely needed practice. Not everyone had fought as many duels as Teer, and her status as a duelist was rightly earned. She had no idea how talented this man was exactly, but she was somewhat curious to find out.

Merely because she found actual death tiresome and wearying didn't mean she had negative feelings about sparring matches, though she was known for taking them quite seriously and not pulling her punches. Indeed, when she was in her full form there were precious few in the Temple who were fully at ease around her.

In fact, she did unnerve more than a few people with her severe and angular face, and her massive scar. Even her deep voice, and the fangs that peered out when she smiled combined to frighten Younglings and wayward Padawans.

That wouldn't be an issue on Shili when she arrived.

"Unless of course you'd prefer another day."

[Res]

Tov thought for a moment about having the sparring match now. It probably would attract attention out here on the roof. That's something Tov didn't think Master Ka wanted. He got that impression when she asked why he was practicing on the roof.

"That's quiet alright Master. Some other time."

It had been a about twenty minutes since the Togruta Master came upon the Twi'lek practicing. Tov didn't really have to be anywhere in particular. The Twi'lek Master did have some meditation to do over a troubling decision he was wanting to make. He wondered if the wiser Master had any advice.

"Master, may I seek your advice on some"

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Teer widened one eye and narrowed the other in an expression that could best be described as skepticism.

Apparently in the past few weeks she'd developed some reputation as a fount of wisdom, welling up with answers. This was the second Jedi in two days who'd asked her for advice, something that happened rarely.

Unless of course the advice was combat-oriented, like proper use of Djem So or techniques to aid in concentration while fighting. Those sorts of questions she'd fielded on a regular basis for years, generally from young Knights who knew her by reputation.

Another master asking for advice was unusual. Nevertheless, she answered the purple Twi'lek.

"I cannot promise you will find my answers pleasant or valuable, but you are welcome to ask any questions you may have of me."

The Togruta Jedi paused and lowered herself onto a stone bench with a view of the city clear to the Galactic Senate, resting one boots over her knee, rubbing the soft leather between two fingers absentmindedly as she awaited a question.

[Res]

It had been what felt like forever between the time he asked if he could ask a question and the response from Teer. It was a clear day on Coruscant, well clear as it could be. Being as nearly the entire planet was a city. It was possible from the roof they could gaze out and see the Galactic Senate. As Master Ka took a seat on the bench Tov placed his hands inside his robs sleeves.

This was uncommon for him to be seeking advice. He had always tries to seek the answers through his own way. Such as meditation or just just going for a walk round the grounds to clear his mind. Standing in front of the older Jedi as she rubbed her foot Tov spoke.

"I have been contemplating taking up another Padawan. What advice have you to offer a Master that as already taken one fully through the process. My last Padawan, I taught her entire time as a Padawan. Would it be wise to train another?"

The Twi'lek Master words were not very fluent. He didn't have much practice at asking for advice and was giving it and teaching others. It was something he had been working on but it was along journey until he felt comfortable asking for advice.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Padawan advice. Teer was on her fourth, so perhaps this was an area she could be considered to have wisdom in, though she'd lost her first two. Her own experience had been earned the hard way.

"If you feel you are up to the challenge of training another Padawan, then you should. If you do not, you should find another way to contribute to the Order."

Master Ka stared off at the horizon and didn't make eye contact, her thoughts momentarily resting with her Padawan. Sirius was on the very threshold of Knighthood, and he marked her second success. Soon the question would be for her.

Should I take on another Padawan?

Somehow, Teer felt herself to be a better-qualified teacher now, though she wasn't about to suddenly take up teaching Younglings. The Togruta woman felt that her experience had her prepared now, and that she could begin another kind of training.

Perhaps she would find a Youngling who looked promising, and take him into the wilds of Shili for one-on-one instruction. Perhaps two.

"The only thing to do," Teer said, as much to herself as him, "Is to follow where the Force takes you."

[Res]

Maybe she's right. I should let the Force guide me on this. Anas thought as he listened to the advice from the older Master. She had put a lot into perspective for Tov. He had enjoyed teaching Younglings saber techniques for the past several years. Though it would be nice to focus his teachings on a single person.

"I thank you Master. I currently instruct the older youngling in the more advanced Shii-Cho moves. It is a very rewarding experience."

The Jedi told Ka seating next to her on the bench. He looked out at the landscape, the sun was just now hitting its peek as it was mid day. Which meant that Tov had another several hours before his next lesson.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

"I am glad you find your work satisfying," Teer said in her usual slightly formal tone.

With her gauntlet over one arm, she waved and yelled a word in the melodious Togruti language, and her pet raptor banked and came swooping in, coming to a perfect landing on the extended arm.

Instantly Ashla cocked her head and rubbed up against Teer's shoulder, opening her beak and making a gurgling sound of happiness. Orange-red fingers reached out and rubbed up against the bird's feathered neck, affectionately petting the creature.

The Togruta Jedi turned her gaze back to the Twi'lek then, as her hand continued to move up and down between Ashla's wings. Instead of speaking she merely maintained eye contact for a few long seconds, which could be challenging for some. Teer's irises were as black as her pupils, giving her gaze a rather unflinching and strange quality, with the result that not many felt particularly comfortable with it.

Finally she spoke as she broke eye contact.

"I would have considered instructing Younglings, but many of them seem to fear me."

It was true. Between her scars, her severe face, and her husky voice (and of course the stern way she carried herself), she wasn't exactly the figure most little children hoped to see. The sharp fangs that protruded from her lips whenever she smiled didn't help either.

[Res]

Tov sat on the bench for a few moments. The sun beaming on the pair of Jedi Masters. In the distance you could hear Teers bird screech out as she flew. The Twi'lek watched as the Togruta Master called for her pet. Not flinching as the bird came in for a landing.

As the elder master stroked her pet Tov noticed that she was staring I to his eyes. Not to seem intimidated he returned the stare. Anas didn't want to show any signs of weakness to Master Ka. After the female broke the gaze Tova'nas adverted his eyes to the Senate Building.

"Yes, it is always important to have the Younglings feel comfortable and safe while around a teacher. I do not mean any kind of disrespect, Master"

Tov said without making eye contact with Teer Ka, until the last part. It wasn't that she had gotten to him with the gaze. He was just pondering his decisions he must make soon.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

"It is also important that Younglings learn not to yield to fear and not to judge based upon appearances," Teer said brusquely.

She didn't like the idea of dismissing a Jedi's ability to teach merely because of appearances. Children, Jedi otherwise, needed to be taught not to judge the book by the cover. What was intimidating wasn't necessarily bad in any way, but if they were coddled too much and never exposed to what frightened them...

Teer wasn't about to propose throwing children afraid of the dark into dark rooms until they overcame their fears, but she wasn't content to let misconceptions dictate who a person was. Or to let fear of a race hinder their understanding.

If there was any one most-admirable trait of her race, it was the ability to adapt to and understand other cultures with ease. Togruta tolerance was legendary, and even the severe Jedi Master lived up to that common trait.

"I do not believe we should allow the young to believe in appearances alone. We should teach tolerance, patience, and understanding for others. And of course we should teach them to be mindful of the real dangers in the galaxy. Not bedtime fears of monsters in closets."

[Res]

"Yes, Master you are correct. The Youngling shouldn't fear things that are unknown. They should face them, but only at small intervals." Tov replied in a solemn tone.

He didn't fear much growing up in the Temple. Mostly because he was open minded about others and thinks that are unknown. But he did fear one thing, that was the Dark Side. It was the allure of power it tempted Jedi with, that was what Tov feared.

He had seen several dedicated Jedi fall to the Dark Side. It was unfortunate that it happens but the Force guides people down different paths. He wasn't condoning the actions of the Dark Jedi and Sith but that where the Force led them.

"How do you purpose we go about introducing the real dangers to the Younglings?"

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Master Ka wasn't fully prepared for such passive acceptances of her point, and had been fully anticipating having to wage a debate just to support her stance. That was an issue with both Jedi junior and senior to her in the Order. Wherever there was room for opinion there was room for dissent. And where there was dissent there was usually debate.

Jedi were not exempt to that.

His questions seemed to be more along the line of practicality, though which she'd learned was often a deferential means of subverting an argument. Granted she didn't believe he was willfully trying to subvert her points at all. He seemed to be merely interested the actual proposals she had to make.

As if my ideas matter to anyone?

Teer wasn't sure what the exact opinion of her was on the part of the Council or of the various other masters. Not here on Coruscant. Back on Dantooine she'd been highly respected, but since leaving it behind, since it had fallen... She'd been without a real home until now. Now she had Shili, and with that home to call her own she was suddenly less worried about what other masters thought of her.

She could speak frankly without concern.

"Some things cannot be taught incrementally. Tell them the truth, as early as they can understand it. Find terms they can relate to, examples they understand, and use that to teach them. Tell them that the Dark Side ends only in death and destruction, and show them what lust for power will lead to. Don't coddle them, and don't let them walked wide-eyed and ignorant into the very maw of evil. Certainly not now of all times."

[Res]

Tov stood waiting as Teer thought about the question he had asked. Admittedly it was a hard question to answer since there was really no right or wrong answer. It was merely based on opinion. Though he could tell by the time it took Master Ka to answer, she was taking it as a right and wrong situation.

As the Togruta spoke Tov listened carefully. He agreed with her completely, the need to be shown the dangers of playing with the dark side and what the outcome could possibly be if they head down that path.

"I agree. They need to be told young so they can build a defence against the Dark Side. Especially in this day and age with the Dark Jedi and Sith on the move."

It was a growing concern at this time. He knew that the Dark Jedi and Sith were growing in force. The Blades were out to there doing everything they could to stop them but it wasn't enough. The Jedi needed something to tip the scale.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

The Twi'lek seemed to be doing nothing but agreeing. It was more annoying than vindicating that he could do little more than echo her conclusion after she answered a question.

Teer sighed, and the Togruta ran one hand along her right headtail, from the base out. It was almost like a human child fussing with her hair, and if Teer had been about fifty years younger it probably would have been cute.

With no further question asked she lapsed into silence and stroked her bird lovingly, directing the bulk of her attention to the black and grey striped avian before noticing her desire to stretch her wings again. Teer spoke in Togruti and released Ashla into the air once more to soar.

She looked back to the Twi'lek.

"Do you have anything else to discuss, or will we sit in silence?"