Identity and Unity (Open)

[Apillis]

((While this thread is more directed toward younglings, it is open to all characters of all ages if they feel it is something their character could or would participate in or observe or whatever. And while there is no posting order to it, per se, try to keep the post frequency within reason in relation to others posts.))

Teaching someone of any age how to utilize the Force is contradictorily both the easiest and hardest thing to teach. For the very reasons that the Force is felt by any Force Sensitive, and even used to minor degrees. But to truly understand and wield it is entirely different altogether that takes a lifetimes worth of study and training, and even with that--only a handful ever progress very far.

The most key component being finding a center, an axis of clarity within all the distractions from outside oneself. There were two theories of the Force that the Jedi often floated about, which were the Living Force and the Universal Force. Aeia in her teachings often pulled from either as a method to utilize the Force. It was not uncommon for her to remark as a frame of mind when tapping into the Force from within, "Our true reality is our identity and unity with all life." The overall lesson being that finding the center, the core of oneself and to match it to the beat and rhythm of the environment around them.

While it is a basic lesson in learning how to tap into the Force, it is still one that Jedi continue to strive to learn progressively all their lives, and yet never truly master it. But still, it is the conduit to how a Jedi learns to wield the Force as their ally in unison with it from the inside out.

The best kind of learning is by doing, so while falling into a meditative trance as Aeia instructed by looking inward to themselves and matching it to the beat of their surroundings--in this case the serenity of the Jedi Temple's training facility. She instructed her students to try to channel the Force in some way once they feel they have found a center within themselves. It did not matter what exactly they sought to do via channeling the Force, whatever they were finding themselves most apt to do or enjoyed doing most. This by proxy also helps develop a 'niche' within the younglings training to cultivate what aspect within the Force they are most lenient to from sharp perceptions to telepathy to something more martial. It did not matter to Aeia, so long as they found a place within themselves and their surroundings where they were at a peaceful frame of mind, and could thus harness their talent with the Force.

With time these lessons will also help them shut out distractions focusing their minds. Albeit, all things with time, baby-steps as they say. As she instructed Aeia slowly weaved her way among her students, observing them--seeing which ones were minding their lessons and which were merely children being children...

((*Italicized quote from Joseph Campbell.))
((Edit: Typo))

[Dee]

These classes still felt so very familiar. Except being on the other side of the classroom roles was still pretty strange to Jia. She had gone to multiple of Aeia's classes so far, to observe and to help her master with the younglings and her lessons. She also found that sometimes, even though the classes were designed for younglings and teaching basic things- all stuff that the teenager had already been through - Aeia would say something that really did seem new to her and gave her a new perspective she had never thought of or heard before. So being in the role of 'instructor's assistant' benefited her even more than she expected.

She would chime in every once in a while, if Aeia asked or if she felt she had something to add to her master's lessons, but overall she was a fairly quiet presence in the classroom for most of the lesson. She was getting better though. The first few times she said nothing at all unless she was directly spoken to. She was not her usual self, and didn't want to upset any of the kids with her demeanor so she tried to avoid saying or doing too much. She found that doing that didn't really solve any problems though. So she started to make herself more useful and began to interact more, working with and assisting the children if needed.

Today's lesson was focusing inward and channeling the Force in any way that felt most comfortable to them. The Padawan knew all too well the struggle that was focusing and finding one's center and connecting with the Force. She had always had difficulty with it too when she was younger. Well... and even now. She could be pretty easily distracted, depending on what caught her attention. She could still hear very clearly in her head, in the stern voices of both Qi and Rin: Focus, Jia. If she had a credit for every time she heard those words...

So she knew, and understood, that some of these kids were going to find it difficult, and she wanted to help them through it if she could. She had already stepped in a few minutes earlier when she saw a little Nautolan boy becoming frustrated. She helped calm him down by explaining that it was ok and she understood, and got him to feel motivated again by suggesting he try an entirely different approach. Everyone had different aspects of the Force they could more easily connect with, and maybe he just needed to try another. It seemed to work, and he went back to what he was doing without any further incident.

Jia had no doubts that he wouldn't be the only one to need more encouragement. So she just slowly paced quietly off to the side, watching the younglings and ready to step in and assist if she saw any of them struggling and needing help.

[Jace]

It had been many months since Jace Beleren had last walked through the halls of the Jedi Temple. Countless Jedi went about their business yet the halls seemed more empty than usual. He knew he should not have been surprised since more than a few Jedi had gone off to fight in the war. Even those who had not were on missions across the galaxy. The Republic was in turmoil and that meant that there was much for the Order to do aside from just fighting. There was never a shortage of things to be done even when the galaxy was at peace. Unfortunately the Sith did not represent the sole source of evil though possibly the pressing one for the time being. A difficult road lay ahead for the Order but a Jedi's life was not meant to be easy.

A few Jedi greeted Jace with a simple bow as he passed them and the Jedi Master made sure to return the gesture. In truth he had always felt a bit awkward while in the Temple. Jace used to spend years at a time away from the home of the Order and other Jedi for that matter. His tenure as a Jedi Shadow had left him ostracized from his peers. Jace have never spurned friendship but rather never had the time. Still, even someone such as himself managed to place trust among a few individuals within the Order. It just so happened that he was now at 'odds' with those few friends. Vreem had gone to war along with Levin while Rhissai had left the Order altogether. They had taken a path different from his own but such was the times they lived in.

No longer Grandmaster or even a High Councilor, Jace's schedule had become rather flexible. Of course he had not really given himself that much of a break. After turning up half-dead at the steps of the temple, he had run off to Thila to take part in a desperate battle against the Sith. Jace's wounds from his months of torture had not even fully healed before he threw himself into the chaos that was war. The loss weighed heavily in his mind and both his body and mind were in dire need of a respite. Thus he decided to return to Coruscant and gain some much needed rest. This did not mean that he would remain completely idle.

Jace could not remember the last time he had interacted with the young minds of the Order. It was so easy to forget that while war raged on, many potential Jedi studied in the Temple in hopes of one day become a full-fledged member of the Order. There was a danger in the Jedi Order being divided. Padawans who needed complete training were now thrust into battle alongside their masters who had joined the Blades. Then there were those who would not follow which resulted in fractured bonds. It was a precarious time for these young beings and Jace was reasonably worried.

Fortunately there were still many within the Order who recognized this potential danger and remained to guide these young Jedi along the right path. Jace came upon one such example as he felt a strong presence in the Force. He stood at the entrance of the room and looked upon the man Younglings and Padawans seated inside. His attention then turned to the instructor of the day's lessons. Pale skinned with dark hair, the woman stood out among the others both in appearance and in the Force. She looked relatively young yet Jace suspected that she was older than he. The other Jedi was after all not the first Aphithiri that Jace was acquainted with. She was essentially the ideal example of a Jedi High Councilor.

In that way, she was a complete contrast to Jace. He wore the simple brown robes of the Order eschewing his other standard attire. Tattoos ran down the right side of his face all the way to his collarbone. Jace was in his mid-forties but he looked and felt older. Years in deep cover alongside multiple brushes with death had taken a toll on his body. The Jedi Master was strong in the Force yet even he had his limits. There was a tiredness in his azure eyes that he could no longer hide. Still, Jace wore a smile on his face as he entered the room. He nodded to the High Councilor and the Mirialan who he assumed was her Padawan.

"Master Fu, I hope I am not interrupting but I thought I might drop in and look upon the bright minds of the future," stated Jace in a respectful tone. The Jedi Master was formal by nature and it's habit that has stuck with him over the years.

"I take it the lessons are going well?" inquired the Jedi Master as his eyes scanned the many potential Jedi within the room. He was not sure what had drawn him to this particular room but Jace had learned to trust in the Force long ago. Yet he was absolutely certain that this change of pace was exactly what he needed.

[Cassy]

Cassy walked through the halls of the Jedi Temple, she smiled to herself as the bright yellows and blues of morning cast themselves through the ornate large plexy glass windows cast throughout the amber walls of the temple. The shades of morning cast onto the golden floors of the halls had her walking in a state between peace and relaxation. The morning heat made the air somewhat warm, only increasing her comfort.

The sunny rays poured in as she nodded to another two elder Jedi who smiled at her, her auburn locks were shimmering in the sun, as were the rest of her features. The robes of any Jedi who walked by were also cast into a somewhat sunny light.

"I didn't think I'd ever see this place again..." as the words left her mouth immediately like a see through movie in front of her as she was walking; did scenes from the Fortress of Bak'mral play out. Her expression dipped a little bit, as she recalled the lives extinguished in front of her, a few screams and she outright closed her eyes while walking.

'Hm?' impact caused her to open her eyes. She'd bumped straight into an Echani jedi, his silvery hair looked back at her as she bowed in apology. His silver robes were a stark contrast too her all black ones. He waved her off, but not before checking her out. With a shake of her head, she couldn't even begin to indulge in the simple banter she was best known for coming up as a Padawan and even in the last year as a Jedi Knight.

War had changed her. Clouded her mind somewhat. Some of the Jedi here hadn't experienced it, or chose not too involve themselves; although they had no choice. By virtue, all Jedi were involved in this conflict.

She weaved through the halls, her black robes sweeping the ground behind her like a fan. Her hair swayed with her walk, through her emerald eyes seemed somewhat...put off. Until that is, she entered an area that always made her smile.

The Youngling and Padawan areas she'd trained in herself from time to time as a kid. She looked around as she entered the large bubble shaped room that went up, up, up, ceiling wise for a little while. Different rooms, all it's bay doors closed sat between LED lights and plants. No doubt; lessons had taken a hit with all the recent goings on in the Universe. Cassy would wager that many a master had been separated from his or her Padawans or Younglings during this time.

With a sigh; she shook her head, though a small smile crept upon her face. She could see the ghost of her in her all tan Padawan clothes; hair pinned in a bun and the ghost of Sirius, blonde hair matted around, glasses falling off of his face in his old Padawan tans. Standing in the same room did wonders for her, she'd been lucky too make it out of Bak'mral alive, although some would claim it was her skill. She knew the truth; at least in her own mind.

Deciding too drop in on some Younglings; since it was her job too do so, she began a sweeping stride towards one of the bay doors leading into a training area. The moment she passed through the LED lights, the deep brown doors slid open in four directions. Immediately, she stepped in her amber locks bouncing around her shoulders. An instant reaction was heard from one of the children.

"Cassssssssyyyyyy!" a youngling whom she'd discovered on Nar Shadaa, living off of 100 credits a week at the most with his boozed out father bolted and jumped at her. She caught the young red-head human, his curly hair and green eyes looked up at him. She ruffled his hair and knelt before him.

"See......I told you I'd take you where there were more like you and me." she winked at him, her stance, both knees bent down to eye level with him. Her voice was so soft it could've made a Fox trust her. The warmth exuded from her as several other Younglings who'd been recruited directly by Cassy made their way towards her; forcing her to stand in the small crowd of light tan Younglings.

She closed her eyes and sighed as she reached out with her hands; grabbing and rubbing the backs of many a head comfortingly as they played with her black robes. She almost shed a tear at the well of emotion building up inside of her; ripped from her family, and not having any children of her own. She pulled them closer into her thighs and waist as several of them bantered her with questions; she didn't answer any, just rubbed through their hair.

She feared if she opened her mouth; a well of emotion would spring out. Whether it be happiness or a mixture of pain and joy...she realized she wasn't alone in the room some time ago.

One of the members of the Jedi Council was here...High Master Fu. A woman she could only aspire too be like. In many ways; Cassy was curious about her. She was much much older than she looked; Cassy had learned that much, and also was much deadlier than she looked. Cassy made eye contact with her from within the crowd of Younglings she had her arms around; she nodded a long nod of reverence to her.

Without then; taking her hands off of the kids heads around her; she noticed another. When she made eye contact with him; it was hard too take her eyes anywhere else. Jace....they'd been in the fires of war together...not too long ago. Again, a see through like scene layed on top of reality, she could see the former Grandmaster barking out orders at Bak'mral as chaos erupted around him. The scene faded as she kept eye contact with him.

For awhile she looked distraught; although surrounded by kids with her hands on them, her eye contact with Jace was not a comforting one. Eventually a small smile crept upon her lips as she realized that they'd been through something of significance together. The Sith's first strike against them in Open War...and they'd both been a part of it together...and survived...unlike many a Jedi and Republic Officer...they did after all lose the battle...and barely escape with themselves in tact in her opinion.

She saw another; a Mirialan. The green skinned young lady seemed so focused on helping the Younglings that nothing else mattered. Her attitude caused Cassy to smirk a little bit more as she stood amongst the crowd of kids. Perhaps Cassy could sway her into becoming a Recuiter....like her. She seemed to have a knack for kids; and on top of that she was High Master Fu's padawan. One day...Cassy felt she'd make a good recruiter, if she was tough enough for it. In her line of work, Cassy quickly found out there was no telling what you'd bump into in the endless expanses of the Galaxy and Universe at large.

Eventually she nodded to the kids and stopped head patting and hair brushing with her hands; they parted like the red sea as she stepped through them. Her black robes moved at a sweep in the short distance between the two elder Jedi and herself. She nodded to the Mirialan in a friendly manner, but did not speak to the padawan immediately.

"High Master Fu..." with a long bow, Lallane Cassandra Novos truly humbled herself for the first time since she'd been back. "Master Beleren..........I didn't think we'd see each other again so soon....forgive me for not being more forthcoming." she bowed to him deeply as well, although she felt a different type of bond with him now, one forged in battle. With that; Cassy remained silent for awhile; not willing to interrupt further between two Jedi Masters, one of whom was on the High Council.

She did however interject eventually once more.

"Master Fu....how have the batches of Younglings I've been bringing in been fairing? I fear...there aren't enough of us around the Temple these days....." Cassy pursed her lips and cut her eyes at Jace once including him in this conversation by proxy. "Everyday, I feel we're leaving potential Jedi out there too the fires of war...or worse, circumstances that would prevent them from ever realizing their potential....we are too occupied....however I do agree that the threat of the Sith can no longer be ignored...it's what got us here.....still---" Cassy's eyes wandered back into the large recess room.

The Younglings played, some seemed to meditate and contemplate everything around them with open eyes, others used mock lightsabers set too 'buzz' to whack one another formlessly. One such 'whack' almost made Cassy laugh allowing her to finish her sentence.

"----they are what's important." her gaze still lingering on them. The Sith no doubt would whet their chops at the chance to corrupt all the new Force Sensitives of the Galaxy, by virtue her job as a Recruiter made her want to smite them all; however her insight into the Sith recently showed each of them to be 'broken' in some manner. She for some reason, did not want to judge the Sith anymore than she wanted to judge herself. Although she kept her inhibitions secret...especially in the presence of High Master Fu, and Master Beleren....who she'd spent her tenure as a Padawan 'dreaming' of one day impressing. Oh how she'd longed to impress the then Grand Master with one feat or another; not knowing that Fate had already thrown them together in the future into the fires of war. She'd been such a naïve trouble maker as a Padawan...sometimes it even baffled her.

The four Jedi, a High Master, the ex-grandmaster, the new Knight, and Padawan, watched the kids continued to stand amidst the Younglings at play and practice.

[Adobi-Wan Kenobi]

The battle of Thila was one that Dan had been a part of, his first mission as a blade, and it was a failure. Dan had sustained minor injuries from the battle at the hands of a green Sith, but he was doing fine now though. All the same he had decided to take a day from his normal routine of brutal self training. He had apparently picked a good day for it too, because there was a session of teaching some of the younglings and padawans that a Jedi by the name of Aeia was holding, Dan had heard about it and decided to make a stop to share some sort of knowledge with the young students.

When he walked in though he felt to familiar people in the room before he even entered, he stopped for a moment, his brown robes stopped just as swiftly and without delay. He stood there for a few minutes rubbing his scruffy scraggly beard that he normally kept. He could figure out who was in the room so he entered into the room seeing the ocean of children in front of him, off to his right was the handful of those teaching, he recognized Aeia only by the fact that she was the one who had put the meeting together. Two of the other three he recognized because of them being the two he had felt outside the room. Jace, the former grandmaster who lead the failed battle of Thila, and Cassandra, the Jedi whom had fought the sith along side Dan during the battle.

He hadn't noticed but he had been standing for roughly a minute without movement, he contemplated leaving the class room, the sight of the two Jedi reminded Dan of the battle far to much, the sith whom Dan had fought, the battle itself, the loss of life he remembered to clearly... Dan sighed knowing he had already been seen and began walking to the other four teachers, he knew the lessons today focused on inward peace and meditations, so Dan wasn't sure exactly how he would help out, he did have some idea as to what he might say if certain questions came up. If any of the younglings wanted to know how the force helped in saber combat, or in everyday life outside of self teachings and inward feelings, those where things Dan had great experience in.

As he walked up behind Aeia he spoke loud enough to be heard by her and the other teachers, I hope I'm not too late. He said.

[Apillis]

Aeia always felt it more difficult to teach how to the wield the Force as mentioned, but she did have methods in how to direct those she taught through her presence. With hand to hand combat she can give a visual for proper form, she can show her students directly. They can see it and mirror it in turn. But the same cannot be done with the Force, it is not something seen--it is something felt within. So how she gives them a guide is through her own presence. The calming presence of a Jedi master can be a powerful thing to those sensitive to it. But by making her presence felt among them, it gave the students something calming--something peaceful to focus on and in turn find a level serenity within themselves.

She could not help herself but smile warmly at the sight of Jia helping a little boy find his own center. Despite lacking a measure of self-confidence, Jia has proven to be a model padawan. Though, it seems to be that lack of self-confidence and having a strong sense of modesty that prevents her from seeing it herself. Its the lack of self-confidence Aeia feels she needs to work on most of all with the girl. While egoism is something to be careful of, a lack of self-worth can be just as dangerous. It was Aeia's hope and intention to get her to one day see just how much quality Jia truly has, not the short amount that Jia herself she has.

But the presence of an individual she had not felt in some time she suddenly felt step into her classroom. She smiled at the man as she quietly approached him and welcomed him into the classroom. With a respectful bow of her head, she greeted, "Master Jace, you're always welcome here. You're not interrupting a thing.", she chuckled a little in response his question, "They're going well, yes. These starting classes for learning how to tap into the Force is always a little difficult at the start. It's tricky to articulate to the inexperienced, it's one of those lessons best learned by doing. But, once the initial hurdle is cleared, it tends to go much smoother from there."

Though in the next moment a young Jedi Knight entered the classroom, who was enthusiastically greeted by a student. By their interaction she deduced the young Knight must have been the one who discovered the child. When the young Jedi made her way over to the Jace and Aeia, she respectfully greeted them, she inquired to Aeia about other children the she had recruited. It was at that point Aeia realized she was a Jedi Recruiter, and like many recruiters who have asked her the same thing during her tenure as an Instructor, "Oh, yes, they're doing fine.", she answered warmly, even though truth be told does not have a clue which children they mean. After all, Aeia sees and has trained many children in her time, she remembers many of them, but who was discovered and/or recruited by whom--her memory is not that acute. So she learned to simply give a stock answer hoping to ease their minds, like the young recruiter before her.

But the mentions of the war and Jedi running off to fight it, Aeia scoffed at in reaction, "Too many 'heroes'... But far more... extremists.", she crossed her arms under chest has she gained a stern look to her, "All I hear these days about the war are extremists dictating the issues. Pacifists calling for avoidance, but little other solutions. Procrastinators preaching on waiting and seeing, thus doing nothing. And then these... Blades", she rolled her eyes at the name, "calling going to war a 'grey area', and rushing into the frontlines to met the Sith on a field of death where they're strongest. Problem is... what does a 'grey area' mean? Clouded? What does it mean when something is clouding an issue or a Jedi's sight? The answer to that is something from what I've seen gets ignored far too often in all these 'talks' of war... I find ignoring that answer to be more disturbing than anything else as for what it can mean for the Order's future.", she then sighed stopping herself from saying more, "I'm sorry for my inane babbling... It's just... a revisited topic... mirroring closely to another time. In any case, let's try to refrain from speaking of the war in this class."

It was not but a moment later than another young Knight joined them. His inquiry of not being too late for the class caused Aeia to cant her head a little, a bit pleasantly surprised. Another voice in helping the younglings in naturally tapping into the Force has and always been a welcome thing to her. In truth, she would like to see more Jedi eager to teach the young beyond just having an apprentice, "No. You're not too late.", she said softly.

[Dee]

The kids seemed alright for the most part. They were mostly focused on what they were doing and none appeared to be having extreme difficulties. It left Jia with this awkward feeling of having very little to do. She glanced up and over towards Aeia, considering approaching her and asking if there was anything else she could do for the moment. She blinked in surprise as she noticed the man conversing with her master. She recognized him easily. How could she not recognize the former Grandmaster?

It was rare to see him. She wondered to herself what had brought the man here. She was about to wander over to find out, or at the very least, to show him respect by actually greeting him. She changed her mind as another wandered in, a human woman this time and most likely a Knight, one she didn't recognize. The younglings seemed to though. A crowd of them rushed over to greet her when they noticed her presence, and she looked just as happy to see them. Was she another instructor maybe? Whoever she was, the children were really fond of her. The newly arrived Knight approached Aeia and Master Beleren and began conversing with them. Jia was across the room and couldn't quite make out what was being discussed. She just watched for a short while, unsure what to do with herself.

Contrary to the social person she was at heart, the Padawan had been avoiding most interaction with others for weeks now. Save for Aeia, the younglings, and on occasions where she had no choice. The ordeal she had been through, the loss of two masters, and the complete shaking of her ideals all still bore down on her, leaving her with a lingering demeanor of despondence that would not be easily shaken. It made it difficult to interact normally with others. The time she had been spending with Aeia as her Padawan was helping her break out of that self-imposed shell, but it was taking time. She didn't know if she felt comfortable joining the group. Did she really want the former Grandmaster, and a Knight who was clearly well liked, to see her so unlike herself? What if she embarrassed Aeia with how she acted in front of them?

On the other hand... Nothing was going to change if she didn't try to change it. The girl was starting to understand that now. Aeia had promised to help her... but Jia had to try to help herself too. The first step to starting to act normal around others again, was to actually interact with them. Or she could just stand there like an awkward teenage girl and twiddle her thumbs some more. That sounded ok... but no, she knew what she had to do.

She rolled her shoulders as if she was about to do something physically strenuous and drew in a quiet, deep breath before she made her way over to the group of Masters and Knight. She stopped to stand next to Aeia, but stayed quiet for the moment as the woman was in the middle of speaking. About the war, and the Jedi running off to fight. The girl shifted uncomfortably. It was a difficult topic still. She never had managed to come to terms with how she felt about it, and now, she felt even more unsure of where she stood and what was right. She still heard Elysis' words, the fallen Master's condemning of the Order's decisions clearly in her mind, designed to further confuse and distraught the girl. Well, they'd worked...

The teenager was relieved when Aeia requested that the topic not be discussed in the classroom. That was one thing she was grateful to not have to think about right now. It was then she noticed that another man had wandered into the room at some point. Another Knight. He seemed to just stand there staring off for a moment before he walked over and asked if he was late. As Aeia told him he wasn't Jia wondered to herself what reason was drawing so many to their classroom today.

Only after her master had finished talking did she finally greet her elders, first with a respectful bow to the group before speaking with a quiet voice, "Hello, Masters." She raised her head again and paused for a second or two as she looked between them. "Are you here to help my master with her lesson?" The question came out of her curiosity; one thing about her that even low spirits couldn't subdue.

(( Edit: Typo, and oh hey, 100 posts finally. 'Bout time, me. ))

[Jace]

"Truly," agreed Jace in response to Aeia's observation before continuing with one of his own, "yet even the experienced can have an equally difficult time when it comes to learning."

A child's mind was still open to many possibilities but could the same be said for an adult? His words were not intended to contradict the other Jedi Master but simply make an observation that was more for himself than anything. Even the wisest and most experienced Jedi made mistakes. Change was something much harder to accept when you have lived longer and experienced more. He wondered how many Jedi would stick with their initial beliefs now that the galaxy had been plunged into war. Determination was good but being overly-stubborn could be dangerous.

"There does indeed seem to be much potential among those present," remarked Jace in an attempt to steer his mind away from any unnecessary thought. Now that he was actually in the room he could better sense each student's presence in the Force. It was of course next to impossible to exactly predict where each child would end up but the Force always gave signs. He had done enough teaching in his latter years to understand what the Force was telling him.

He then felt a more familiar presence enter into his consciousness as he heard the exaltation of one of the Younglings. The Jedi Master turned to see that Cassandra had entered the room. She had been one of the Jedi Knights present during the Siege of Bak'mral. He thought it unfortunate that such a young Jedi had to be present for such a terrible battle. Hopefully she would learn from the difficult trial she had been forced to endure. Jace could see the conflict in her eyes as she looked towards him. Luckily none of the Younglings who flocked around her had seemed to notice. Eventually she walked over to where the two Jedi Masters were standing.

"It is good to see you are doing well," responded Jace, waving off the woman's apology.

"Too many heroes."

General Velsim had said the exact same thing back on Thila albeit with a little more force. Jace watched without comment as the two woman talked about the war. In truth it was a matter heavy on his mind but not one he wished to talk about, especially with all the students around. He knew they would have to deal with the harshness of the world(many already had) but not in this case. Hearing about the war would only serve to distract them and a distracted student was more prone to following a less-than-righteous path. He listened to Master Fu's words and noted that they had once echoed in his own. Part of Jace still believed full-on war was not the path for the Order yet he had gone to Thila regardless. He was in a rather difficult position. Jace was no longer Grandmaster, not yet a Blade, but there were still those who looked towards him.

Jace was saved the need of injecting his own opinion with the entrance of another Jedi. Oddly enough it turned out to be another Jedi who had fought alongside him on Thila. A few of the surviving Jedi had come back to the main temple as opposed to the one of Seraphim which served as the headquarters for the Blades. The temple on Coruscant had greater resources for one and there were a few Jedi who no longer wished to be on the front-lines of war. The Jedi Master simply nodded towards the newly arrived Knight in acknowledgement.

Eventually the Mirialan made her way towards the rest of the older Jedi. Jace sensed that the younger Jedi was going through difficulties of her own like so many others. He thought it a good idea that the Mirialan was in such a place. One could often achieve understanding through helping others. Jace had once thought it impossible for a man such as himself to teach yet it had ended up being somewhat liberating. He experienced a sense of satisfaction and level of understanding to which he had been unaccustomed. Jace nodded in response to the Padawan's bow.

"I do not believe there is anything that I could teach that Master Fu could not. Maybe hand-to-hand combat but as I understand it, your Master is quite accomplished in that area as well," stated Jace as a small smile touched his face. He had never sparred the other Jedi Master but her prowess was well-known.
"Of course if Master Fu requires any assistance, I'd be glad to help."

[Cassy]

Cassy listened calmly, wondering for a moment if what Master Jace and Master Fu could sense her shift in mood the moment Master Fu stopped her deep and intrinsic words on the war. It was an odd feeling. As Master Fu had been speaking, Cassy seemed to zone out. Her words were like some tale, some saga she was spinning.

The way she spoke, questioning the middle grounds of each type of Jedi during times such as this...it showed insight into battle. Cassy couldn't get enough. For a few moments, she stared down Master Fu gently, almost beckoning for her too continue. The battle had changed her; the adrenaline, the rush. Facing down Sith Lords. It was everything she'd trained for...well...not everything.

Cassy's eyes settled around the class again. The Younglings seemed to be the only thing able to break her minds fervor over the past battle. A moment ago she'd been longing too hear more war stories...more battle tactics...from either Master Fu, or Master Beleren. It was like an insatiable thirst, in the back of her mind at all times. It scared her that she'd forgotten where they were...surrounded by children; for the sake of more knowledge or experience on the subject of battle.

The bay doors into the classroom slid open in four directions as it usually did, as another familiar face stepped into the room. Great. Just as she'd been trying to push the thoughts of the battle out...the Jedi she was partnered with during that battle...walked in. Though...this interested her...as their time together flashed in her mind, he hadn't seemed like the type too teach, or assist a teacher. Although he was well mannered and composed, somewhat charming. She supposed he could've made a good teacher had he wanted too.

As a Recruiter, Cassy felt she was somewhat overprotective of the Younglings, as she didn't want too be sending them too some cruel fate with unforgiving or uncaring Jedi Masters awaiting them. Still, she was not a judge...just concerned. If only each Jedi Mentor and teacher had the same insight as Master Fu...then less Jedi's would be influenced by their superiors or former mentors' decisions...only through diplomacy could peace truly be achieved. She knew this.

As Dan joined them, Cassy gave him an admiring look. She wondered if he'd caught it. They'd both taken down many an opponent right alongside one another, sometimes back too back. Although the look of admiration faded somewhat quickly, she did respect his skills. Raising an eyebrow and looking too her left, she could only imagine what the two Masters in the room with her were like when they stopped holding back.

Cassy continued to hold her facial expression for a moment, eyebrow raised inspecting the two Masters when they weren't looking...or when she thought they weren't. Eventually though, she grew relaxed and calm, taking another look around the class before settling her gaze on Master Fu's serene beauty.

"Master Fu...if there are any exercises you're ever in need of assistance with. Don't hesitate to send me a holo requesting my presence." she looked around the classroom. "Even if I'm halfway across the galaxy...I'll make it back home too assist in any lessons you choose too impart." Cassy nodded to Master Fu and too her Padawan.

"Of course...as a Recruiter...you and I will likely see a lot of each other as I bring in batches of kids..... Cassy wondered for a moment if she shouldn't be working...checking her database in her quarters for some new leads on Force Sensitives... a new round of planets and appointments no doubt was awaiting her download...but it could wait. Right now she was focused on assisting Master Fu and Master Beleren with any lessons they chose too impart these Younglings.

She smiled.

Wondering if the Younglings knew that they were about to receive lessons from one of the greatest Jedi in existence right now in Master Beleren alongside another in Master Fu. Too them he may have seemed like just another random substitude here too assist. The thought amused her as she remained silent, hands behind her back. Brown locks falling around her round face, bluish green eyes blazing out in contrast too her dark robes.

[Adobi-Wan Kenobi]

From where Dan stood he could hear parts of the conversation, right now it was about Jedi and weather they should fight in the war. Dan sighed, the Jedi where sworn protectors, and if they didn't the Republic would fall, though at this time, the Republic might fall anyway if what happened on Thila had anything to say. Dan knew that Fighting wasn't the only way out of this war, but it was definitely needed in this war. Dan sighed again, right now he had very little to bring out, this was a lesson on finding a inner calm so to speak, Dan could only help in this with the basics and how to use this skill while in battle to stay calm, and at the moment even that was likely not something he would point out to the youngling in this particular class.

Dan didn't chime in for two reasons, one was just that, it was his opinion, if it was wanted it would be asked for in this type if situation. And two, the conversation was coming to it's end. Cass began speaking about helping out with future lessons, Master Jace was talking about teaching hand to hand just Pryor to that, Something Dan wouldn't mind spending more of his own time on.

Dan moved up directly behind Master Aeia and asked a question, What time will the class begin and end again? I left my Data pad that had that information on it in my room and forgot the times. Dan said before finally moving into the line of Jedi in stead of being behind the rest of them.

[Apillis]

The younglings in this moment continued their lesson, and while the others spoke to Aeia, from time to time one would slyly direct a curious glance there way. But each time one did they found the subtle gaze of Aeia looking back at them from her peripheral, and the little imps would immediately switch back to their lessons. A heavy or obvious hand is not always needed to correct a situation, some times merely a subtle acknowledgement is all that is required to put something back into check.

So many in the galaxy these days look to extreme solutions even in the most minute of dilemmas or problems. Where so often a far more simplistic answer was present to correct it, but once again extremes seemed to dominate conversation or the process of rectifying the setback. But some times... just a simple gaze is enough to quell the troubles.

"Master Jace, whatever assistance you are willing to offer is welcome here, I won't turn it away", Aeia stated amicably, and with a chuckle and remark of humility she commented, "I think you over-estimate my ability."

Though, she arched a brow at the young Jedi Knight's remark about how Aeia was right that the threat of the Sith should not be ignored. Aeia arched a brow as that was actually not the point Aeia was making at all, her point was the failure of self-analysis when speaking of the so-called 'grey area' of war. In a way, the misunderstanding echoed Aeia's point and greatest concerns within the Order, being too focused on the immediate perceived threat outside and not the true threat inside. But, for now Aeia was really in no mood to get into the issue, she had younglings to teach.

When the young Recruiter went on talking about bringing in 'new batches' of children, Aeia's brow furrowed a little with a slightly exhausted smile... she sees hundreds of students a day, and this young Knight wants to give her more. Why does this young Knight want to torture her?! Is she sadistic or something?! Aeia merely replied as she managed her smile, "Oh... wonderful."

But when the other young Knight spoke up inquiring about when the class started, Aeia could not help but chuckle a little at him, "The class started about ten minutes ago.", she mentioned, nor did she mind--she has had countless students and assistants not unlike the young man for years.

But then to get things back on focus, she told them, "This class is primarily on learning how to tune oneself to the Force. So, whatever insights you are willing to share to the class, feel free. The key to this lesson is inner-focus."

[Dutch]

"Oh no! Oh no! Oh no!"

Squeaked a tiny blur of blonde. Her boots were a staccato of haste as she dashed down hall after hall. With rosy cheeks and ragged breath Halli ran as fast as she could (without the Force's help) to the appointment she was quite late for. With her arms stacked with various paintings she had done, it was difficult for her to even see over them, the only part of her face visible being her round doe-like eyes and forehead. She dodged as many other Jedi as she could as she dashed, and was grateful for the ones who noticed her and moved out of the way. An even harsher flush would rise to her cheeks as she heard the cheer of 'Run Halli Run!' echo from some fellow Jedi. It wasn't uncommon when she was on Coruscant to be seen running around the Temple. Usually late for something.

It had been some time since she had left the seclusion and safety of her room, with the aid of Roq and Karon. She still preferred to keep to herself and keep out of sight, but when Aeia Fu asks for you to be present for one of her lectures, you listened. Especially if you were Halli Price. It had been quite long since she saw the Master, since she administered Halli's Trial of Skill in fact. Sour anxiety bit at her abdomen as she scampered towards the room where the lecture was to be held. Halli so wanted to be like Aeia, strong and confident, and it made her worlds of anxious that the woman would disapprove of her time as a Jedi so far. After another few minutes Halli had finally found her destination and burst into the room, already mid-sentence.

"-and I just couldn't decide which to bring so I just grabbed a bunch and I think they're good cause they were deemed predictive by the Council but I don't know exactly how they know that but then again they're the Council for a reason but I don't know what that reason is and wow there's a lot more people here than I expected..."

Her eyes would widen as her sentence ended and she peered over her pile of paintings to look around at the room full of Younglings and Jedi alike. Several Jedi she didn't recognize at all were there, but the two she did recognize made her instantly drop her paintings and bow respectively. Halli's face would begin to turn a brilliant shade of pink in embarrassment. She righted herself and bowed to the others in the room as well once she took a moment to compose herself a bit more. And it was then that she noticed her appearance.

Clad in normal Jedi robes, minus the heavy dark-brown cloak, Halli was a kaleidoscope of color. Her slightly-pink skin, robes and face were covered in spatters of brilliant greens, reds, blues, etc. Even her blonde hair, done up in twin braids that swept back and down her head, had paint splattered all across it. Possibly the only place that didn't have paint on it was anything on her back side. Her eyes would dart down to her paintings then to Aeia then to Jace and back again. She didn't expect him to be here, and if even possible, began to turn more crimson as she realized which painting lay in that pile.

"I-I'm so sorry for my tardiness Master!"

Halli pipped with another bow before she turned to Jace. A little over twenty years ago, this very man had been the one to bring her to the Jedi. The one who gave her a future, and a purpose. A man she was eternally grateful for, and eternally stuck on what to say to the man she called 'hero'. Even now as she stared at him, for the life of her, Halli had not a single idea of what to say to the man. Nearly a year ago she had been frantically begging for the Jedi to save him, as for weeks she saw him being tortured in her visions. What did you say to a man after all that?

And then Halli realized she had been staring at him for a good moment.

[Dee]

Jia nodded in response to Master Beleren's answer. Neither of the Knights directly answered her question but she figured they probably would have answered much as he did. She slipped back into silence as the others talked amongst themselves again, her eyes idly moving to whoever was speaking at the moment. And that was all she really did. Stood there and watched. She shifted her weight slightly as she began to feel awkward, unsure where her place was in these conversations if she had one at all. Maybe she should've just stayed over on the other side of the room.

She glanced away from the older Jedi and toward the door as she felt the approach of another. Someone else coming to help with the class? The younglings would have no shortage of teachers today it seemed. Which was good for a lesson like this that required diversity. This one was projecting much different emotions though. Jia could feel nervousness and maybe even a touch of panic which caused her brow to furrow in concern.

Only a short moment later a human-looking woman turned the corner into the classroom, sounding rushed and already in the middle of a sentence. Jia blinked a couple of times as she took in this new arrival's appearance. Or at least, what could be seen of it around the pile of paintings she held in her arms.

The woman rambled on quickly and Jia had to struggle a bit to follow what she was saying. The Padawan side glanced to Aeia for a moment before looking forward at the newly arrived woman again. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but was quickly silenced as the paintings were all dropped to the floor when the new arrival rushed to bow to the two Masters in the room.

It was only then that the girl got a better look at her. She was young. Older than the Mirialan was, but not by very much. She seemed to be a Knight but maybe not for very long. Her robes and skin were splattered with different colors of paint. Overall she looked to be pretty frazzled, especially now that she was in the presence of two Masters. Jia felt the young woman's embarrassment long before she noted the blush of her cheeks. It made her sympathetic for the older girl. After all, Jia herself knew what it was like to be in that kind of position. Unfortunately, way more than once.

When she eventually bowed to the rest of group Jia returned it with one of her own, a deep bow of her head. As she raised her eyes again she saw the Knight had now become focused on the former Grandmaster. She watched the new arrival stare intently at Master Beleren... for a very long time. She felt bad for thinking it and was still sympathetic, but... at least she wasn't the only awkward person in the room now.

The Padawan slowly crouched down to pick up the paintings for the Knight while she remained entranced by the former Grandmaster. She got a pretty good look at some of them as she did. As the teenager stood again she offered the woman her paintings back. "These are all really nice." She quietly complimented her work as she tried to peer around the pile of them, though Jia wondered if what she had said would even be heard by the Knight. She was still pretty focused...

Whether the paintings were taken back from her or not the girl spoke up again, though still with that somewhat quiet voice, "Maybe all of you can explain the best way you've found to focus inward and best connect with the Force. There's so many different ways and it's such a personal experience that I know some of the younglings are struggling to figure out their own. Hearing about your experiences might help guide them." There was a pause as she felt the sudden worry of speaking out of turn. "...I mean, if my master thinks that's a good idea, and you all want to, of course..."

[Cassy]

Cassandra listened for awhile too herself, as Master Fu's reaction too what she'd said earlier was practically priceless. A small smile gave way on her expression, and it stayed there. It wasn't out of place, and perhaps was too small of an expression to be noted, but if anything when one looked her way; they'd perhaps see a lucid happiness. She hadn't thought of what it must be like too be in Master Fu's shoes. Intense focus overwhelmed her as her mind racked what it would feel like too influence that many lives day too day. Sure, she had no small part in the Destiny's of several Younglings even in this room. Perhaps it was nearing a hundred now that she'd recruited. Some might never forget the day Cassy brought them too the Jedi Temple.

However training them? That was something she thought was beyond her. Dan made a comment about having left something behind. "Haha...." she'd learned a lot about him, at Thilia. He was one of the most insightful people she'd met. Having that sort of laid back but sharp wit and attitude. Him leaving something behind was spot on.

She glanced around the room, the Younglings still spoke with one another but began too sit around the room Indian style ready for instruction. Even after being a Knight for an entire year, taking on a Padawan was not something she'd even considered yet. She was too irresponsible she felt; too easily pulled towards the Dark Side. She probably had more connections with the Sith than any Jedi currently at the Jedi Temple. Her curiosity provoked her into conversations with Sith rather than confrontation.

She'd slain many Sith at Thilia, nearly killed Vaar's lover on Naboo as he tried too seduce her. Betraying him and stabbing him through the stomach. Dov, a mighty Sith warrior, one she wanted to face again in battle, bested her in a mighty duel and recently, she'd met another Sith. Nieraan. No confrontation what so happened there with him. Although they were supposed to strike each other down, she felt herself curious as too his point of view; and instead tried too glean lessons and get his point of view.

"Can there be a peace between the Jedi and the Sith?"

She pondered this for a moment as the noise of the doors sliding open into the training chambers resounded again. Cassy flicked her eyes as another human blonde about her age entered the room. The hadn't seen her at Thilia...perhaps her professions were different than her own. Of course they were.

'Crash....' the sound of a clatter of paintings smacking the ground loosing from her grasp resounded in the room. Cassy winced in a confused way as the Padawan crossed the room almost immediately too help her out. The Younglings now all sitting Indian style on the ground all looked towards the door. A good chunk of them laughed, made up of all different races...they were still children. Most of the laughs were snickers or suppressed.

Cassy shot them all a look, her dark auburn hair and green eyes taking on somewhat of a darker colder tone. As they all caught attention of her in the line of teachers standing before them in unison; they quieted down. She softened it and gave them all a bemused and relaxed expression too show they'd been right too respect their elders even when one made a gaff.

From near the door, the row of teachers standing in front of the sitting class could hear the young Padawan asking them too begin lessons officially. She grinned as she turned her head towards her. A good attitude. She was Master Fu's Padawan after all.

"I agree." Cassy nodded towards Jace, and Master Fu, then too Dan. "I suppose we should begin." with a small step forward, she stepped out of line towards the class. They all snapped too attention.

"Hello. I am, Jedi Knight Lallane Cassandra Novos...I'm glad all of you woke up on time this morning, breakfast was good I hope?" a few of them shot up their hands and waved at her, some laughed at just the mere mention of breakfast. "Good. Now that I have your attention, it's time we begin. Today you're in for a treat, several guest teachers are here. Some of you know me, but someone else important is here today."

With a motion, two people to her left. Master Fu being directly next to her in line, she signaled Jace Beleren.

"This person here, was once the Grandmaster of the entire Jedi Order! Pretty cool right? I know." her tone made the class laugh again as a lot of them oogled Jace. Some bowing in a sitting position in awe for a moment even. "We're all here too teach you today. But it's a special day; because today is the day you learn how too be connected too the Force any time you want." Cassy nodded too them all, they were dead silent in anticipation of what she'd say next. She knew what they felt like. At best right now they could wildly tap into it, in and out fluctuations. "Each of us is different. Each of us has our on set of skills. So each of us will connect too the Force differently." she smiled but continued.

"Some of us see the Force, all around us. And choose too hone this ability, too tell when it's at work. Tell where it's strongest, or if someone is using it. After awhile, you can even tell if someone has the Force. Just like all of us. This is Sense."

"Some of us hear other people's thoughts, even the thoughts of anything that's alive." she looked around the class. Reaching out telepathically. Some responded, shifting in their seats at first but then settling back in.

"Some of us can move the Force around, very well in fact."

"Some of us can use the Force to protect ourselves. Use it as a shield, even to protect people you don't want too get hurt! You can also protect your stuff with it." she winked and the class laughed slightly.

"Finally....some of us use the Force through our own Body. Like a channel. I myself found out I was good at this, and also the final talent of the Force. Healing. Fixing anything from a broken bone too a very big 'boo boo'."

With that she drew silent. Allowing the sitting class too soak it all in. They all seemed to understand perfectly, perhaps having experiences of their own with one of the fields she spoke of.

"I'm sure your other Masters here today will be skilled in each of the fields themselves, more so than myself. But I will be showing those who feel like they can, how to connect with the Force through your own Body. Join me if you wish, if you feel like you connect with the Force in a different way that's OK! That's what we want here. Go where you feel you're most interested or where you feel you already somewhat know how. No one will Judge you."

With that, Cassy turned and bowed towards the other Master's in a deep bow once. Her black robes rising and her green eyes scanning the Younglings once before she moved too one side of the room. Leaving the others too teach what they would perhaps.

A good 1/6 of the class, perhaps fifteen or so. Followed Cassy's black robes at a bounce in their usual Jedi youngling tan's. She sat Indian style with them on the ground once they were somewhat separated from the rest of the group.