Continuing Education (Open to Meira & Kaim)

[10Tickler]

Kaim sighed as the strange looking youngling repeated the quote. Masters had reminded Kaim quite frequently that his emotions would lead him down a path of darkness. The smile although, forced a smile back to the other. It was almost as hope was growing in him.

Kaim giggled at the comment about him being as hungry as a hut. "Hopefuls? Why not? You seem like a gentleman...Someone who wouldn't eat humans." He stuck out his tongue as he did a skip-jog to catch up.

As the male started saying something in a rather...awkward language for Kaim, he chuckled as he shot out his hip to one side mimicking the hands on his hips from Jon. "Very funny." He said after the boy spoke the translation.

Continuing on, passing by a map, Kaim would glance at it making sure they were going in the right direction. "You should bother to make friends. You have a sense of humour, and you seem nice from the past 10 minutes we've been talking." He complimented with his sweet smile.

"What are we doing at the archives? Studying? Looking for someone?" He questioned as they passed student by student, dodging traffic. "I mean, I've only gone their when needed. Not for spare time" He blushed embarrassingly. "The uhm... Text is hard." He said reminding himself of his part-blindness. "I'll admit, I've never gone through a full book. Never had the time."

The student left the truth out. He'd only tell the other if the other asked the reason, or made a crack at his eyes. Course, perhaps the youngling already noticed the difference in his pupils.

The Archives are a Greater Source of Knowledge if one goes to seek it with an open mind and without any goal other then to better themselves Jon'arichi'kotokk told his new friend as they approached the doors to the Archives and entered. Smiling and raising his hand in a greeting to the Head Archivist, Arichi passed her desk and continued onward, through the Databanks and heading towards the back of the Archives.

Pulling a Datapad from his pouch, Arichi pressed a fingertip to his upper lip and used his other hand to beckon Kaim to come closer, presumably to see what Arichi had on the small pad. Softly, Music began to play, the Datapad's contents played through the Terminal that the Young Chiss had chosen. This actually took me by surprise when I found it, it's a Recording of a small group of Ryn, doing one of their Traditional Songs he said, smiling as the music floated through the air in the Archives. "Not all items of knowledge are meant for the eyes" he added softly, looking at Kaim and smiling as he stepped back. That Datapad's Full of Things that I stumbled across while just letting myself be guided by the Force, if you want to look through them, there's an interesting collection there

[kaim]

Kaim listened carefully as the couple entered the new area. Too many of the same thing beside each other caused Kaim's eyes to blur a bit. He would not know which one to pull out. Luckily seeing the beckon, he jogged over to his intelligent friend with a smile. Looking over the intelligent's shoulder he looked at the device playing music.

"It's....soothing....interesting." He said chuckling.

Running his soft touch gently along the streams of information, he'd pick up one data pad and fool around with it until he'd hear music introducing a poet.

"Jon, er by the way, do you have a nickname?" He'd ask while continuing his sentence. The Archives had brought him a reminder for something and well, Arichi had different eyes. Kaim had lighter-than-blue eyes showing his part-blindness.

"Do people compliment your eyes?" He'd ask comparing them to his own. Their eyes were definitely opposite colors.

Audits twitched as he listened to this poet who had his ways through words. He set it back down as he picked up another one, awaiting the exciting answer of his new found friend.

[10Tickler]

A nick....name? Jon'arichi'kotokk asked, sounding bewildered as he stepped away from the Dataterminal for a moment, looking through a Stack of Datacards off to their left. My name has no Nicks, Merely my Family name, my Personal Name, then my Clan Name... If the entire thing is too difficult for your Tongue, you can call me Arichi I suppose he said, pulling one of the data cards out and passing it over to Kaim, wondering, silently, to himself what the other boy's sudden fascination with Eyeballs was.

Looking at Kaim, Arichi's eye's flashed as the change in pressure caused by moving his head caused slightly more oxygen to reach his corneal nerves. None have ever complimented my eyes, and I see no reason for them to. In Low oxygen environments, my eyes would look similar to anyone else's, I've seen the difference and made note of them. The Air here is thick with Oxygen, so my eyes glow

Withdrawing another Datacard, Arichi looked it over for a moment before moving to another Dataterminal and inserting it into the appropriate slot, his eyes flashing from side to side as he read the fast-scrolling information. Someone had left out the Datacards relating to the Advancement from A Jedi Hopeful to the rank of a Padawan Learner, and even beyond that. Healer, Guardian, Consular, these terms flashed by Arichi's eyes, as well as Agri-corps and other terms that were unfamiliar. Grabbing a blank card, Arichi quickly copied the information down to it, hoping Kaim hadn't noticed what he had found. Later that day, Arichi would ask one of the masters, and maybe satiate his lack of understanding

[kaim]

Kaim giggled femininely as Arichi questioned the nickname idea.

"Well I mean it's not hard, it's just I'd prefer to say something shorter...You know, kind of like if I was in battle, it'd be shorter for me to say Arichi help! Instead of Jon'Arichi'Kotokk help!" Kaim tried to explain. "I really hope I didn't hurt your feelings." He said as he looked at the datapad card he was passed.

"Oh, well I'll be the first. I think your eyes, from what I can see, look nice." He smiled sweetly hoping he could gain some trust with his new friend.

Kaim set the datacard back as he scanned for more interesting things. Kaim was definetly not a literature person. He preferred pictures (if he could see them) and hearing.

"Finished your researching?" He giggled once again noticing Arichi copy down or just inserted a new info card.

[Meira]

Meira had left the classroom after speaking with Master Took and had gone straight to a meditation chamber. She thought of little else as she moved through the halls, and only stopped once to chat with an old friend from her youngling years. When she reached a meditation room that was empty, she sat down on the low, round chair and crossed her legs. She took some time to relax her body, stretching and then letting the muscles in her arms and legs relax. She then closed her eyes and took deep, calming breaths, letting her mind clear away all thought and leaving room for the Force to speak to her.

It was not hard for Meira. She had always been calm and introspective. The process of clearing her mind was an enjoyable one to her. Soon, her mind was clear and she began to sense her surroundings on a deeper level. Every breath exhaled sent a ripple that touched everything around her. The chair, the floor, the walls, the ceiling, and even the beings passing by outside the door, she was connected to them all. Now that she was in this state of oneness with the Force, Meira focused her energy into her question. Was she ready to teach? She felt her youth, and knew her level of inexperience. However, she also felt a pull, almost a need to reach out. Images of her uncle filled her mind.

Evos had not been as young as she when he decided to take her as his apprentice, but that was not the message the Force was sending her. The message was in the feeling of companionship and the confidence of having a mentor. She remembered a time when he brought her back to the temple to research before a mission. He had admitted that he too needed to learn. The point wasn't to know everything so that she could pass it on. The point was to be a guide and a role model.

Satisfied with this, Meira then turned her focus to being guided toward one that she could help, one that was ready to be guided into the next stage of life as a Jedi. There were many in the Temple who were near or at the age to become padawans, but was there one ready to be hers? An image suddenly passed through her mind. A flash of black hair, blue skin, and red eyes. Meira's eyes opened suddenly. She recognized that face. It was the quiet boy from Master Took's class. Could it be that simple? Had the Force guided her to the one she could teach before she even knew it? There is no chance. The Jedi words came to her mind quickly.

Again Meira was moving. She didn't even know where she was going but she didn't resist the urge. The Force would guide her, and it did. Her feet had led her to the archives. There were few in the large room, and so it took only moments to spot the boy. A smile dawned her face and she could not hide her excitement.

She crossed the room with light steps, her composure controlled so that her face bore a slight smile. As she approached, she caught the sound of the last notes of a song. Whatever it was, it sounded tribal. Before reaching the boys, she turned to a shelf and scanned it until she found what she was looking for. Pulling the datacard, Meira the approached the two younglings.

If you like music, you should listen to this. She said, inserting the card into a terminal and pulling up the file. Soon the sounds of Kiffar songs filled the air around them. This comes from a clan whose lands border my clan. She said, smiling at the two. We don't have any songs from my clan on record just yet. But I hope to help with that some day.

[10Tickler]

{index} speech, Thoughts {/index}


Looking up to Kaim's Compliment, then Giggled Question, Arichi shrugged a little, looking from side to side. I suppose he said, sighing slightly, his eyes looking down at the Datacard in his hand, thoughts running through his head as he moved back to Kaim's Terminal and looked at the Images that the Other Initiate had been gazing at.

It was at that moment, that a chill went down the young Chiss' spine, causing him to look up, his head moving as though yanked by an invisible string It's her again... he thought silently to himself, eyes narrowing as the Jedi Knight from before moved into an aisle, grabbed another Datacard, then brought it over to them, offering it. Head tilted in semi-confusion, Arichi Bowed slightly before taking it. My thanks to you, Master Knight he said, his voice soft due to their location in the Archives.

Even as he spoke, even as he showed respect to the Knight, his mind was already racing, between questions that he wanted to ask her, to wanting to go back to being alone with Kaim, in the silence of the Archives. It was almost as though his own mind wanted to tear itself apart with indicision. Closing his eyes, Arichi inhaled deeply, clearing his mind completly and allowing himself to be led to a decision by the Force, it's swirling eddies and currents around them leading him to step aside and Present the Datacard to Kaim.

If you would please? he said to Kaim before looking to Meira, It would be much enlightening to hear of the music's meanings from you he added with a weak smile, wincing at his mistake in Basic as he looked from the Terminal to Kaim and then back to Meira.

[kaim]

The youngling's smile became sweeter as the other accepted the compliment.

The young boy began to look at the many topics the Archives had. Building your Lightsaber, The path of the Jedi, History of the Jedi The long list continued as he was startled by a female knight. Following Arichi's bow he'd give a small hello.

The sweet sounding music soothed his ears as a giggle came. "You should be the first to produce your music Miss. Make it better than this." he said in an encouraging voice.

When Arichi presented a datacard to him, he'd nod and take it. "Sure." Kaim had hoped it wasn't much reading. Unfortunately to his expense, it was.

Stepping back for the two to talk he closed his eyes focusing on a certain connection. He noticed, in his mind, the two gray lines but they weren't touching. Meditating, he'd connect the two lines together a bit easier now. A blue swirl went around it as he opened his eyes. The blurry letters started matching. He read faster and faster before the letters became blurry again. He tried it again, and continued on his last sentence.

Ears listened to the conversation that Meira and Arichi would have as he kept his eyes to the data screen.

[Meira]

The two boys must have been in some type of conversation. She could feel that she had cut something short. Hoping that she hadn't interrupted too rudely, she gave a slight bow of her head in return to the two boys. She almost laughed. She had been the same when she was young, and still was overly humble at times. Please, call me Meira. I am no one's master, young one. She said, turning her eyes to the blue boy. When he asked for her to explain the meaning of the music, she smiled. His strange accent was not so strange to her. There were many species that could not speak basic perfectly.

Well, aside from the joy of it... Our music is about identity. Kiffar clans are not famous for their peaceful interactions. Each tribe uses music, among other things to identify themselves. At those words, Meira indicated the black band tattoo that ran across her eyelids. My clan in particular is very small, so everything means something.

Meira's eyes again studied the two boys. What about your people? What do they share? She asked the question to both of the boys, but her main interest was in the response of the boy she felt connected to. Was the connection strong enough for him to feel as well? Was he ready to follow now that Meira felt the pull to lead?

[10Tickler]

Trust not your eyes my friend, for they are deceptive by nature Arichi said from the corner of his mouth, feeling Kaim's Distress as it hung in the air. And there are Greater sources of Information in the Temple then writings made by the hands of mortals... Arichi paused in his speech, not sure whether he should mention the small room that the Ancient artifact sat in before the Knight that was with them at the moment.

While whispering to Kaim, Arichi listened to Meira's explanation of her culture's musical and social dynamics, and started to think about those as well, his mind wrapping around the ideas that they presented to him, and closing his eyes, he tried to think back to his childhood home, unsuccessfully.

I apologize M'lady Knight Arichi said in response, opening his eyes and looking right at her. I was taken from my homeworld at a young age, and all that I can remember of it really is my father, constantly wearing a Black uniform and barking out orders to other people he stated, looking from her to Kaim, as though he wished to hear his friend's answer.


{ooc: Sorry for the short post, I've been doing other things today}

[kaim]

Kaim's attention was caught off guard as the blue toned boy whispered to him. He stopped, and turned off the mechanism of information seeing how a question was asked to both of them.

Kaim had to smile at the fact that Arichi included him in, and Meira who had asked them both.

"My people?" he questioned after listening to the short answer that Arichi gave. "I'm a human. Aren't we a bit prideful?" Kaim said remembering the time an alien had told him that.

"My family were prosperous farmers. I really liked it there; it was fun." He smiled sweetly. That was it Kaim had revealed. He did not feel obliged to give his life story for Meira had only asked them what they share. Of course, Kaim would exclude his biggest weakness: Emotions.

Taking steps closer, his shoulder would brush lightly againt Arichi's shoulder in a friendly way. It was a thankful one. Kaim had seemed to look up to Arichi. He knew he could learn a whole lot and Kaim was interested in knowledge. It just took Kaim time. He knew he wasn't as smart as Arichi but he was sure he came close!

[Meira]

Meira listened as the blue boy made his apology. She quickly shook her head. You do not need to apologize, young one. Jedi do not usually have many memories of their homes. I myself only hold mine because my uncle was also a Jedi, and my master. He taught me what I know, because it is important to our people. Then the other boy answered and she had to laugh at his take on humanity. Perhaps. She said. But I think it would be hard not to. Humans are the most common of all the galaxy's sentients. Remember that pride is only a problem when it mingles with vanity. A certain amount of pride in one's self is not only alright, it is healthy. Master Took taught me that.

And it was true. She herself had been humble to the point of self denial even until Evos had died. Meira then realized that she was already doing what she feared she might not ready to do. She passed on wisdom that she had learned to younger Jedi hopefuls. She hadn't even known she was doing it. She was renewed in confidence, and even a bit of pride, coincidentally. She brought her focus back on the two younglings, to see if her comment had sunk in.

[10Tickler]

But Lady Knight Arichi piped up, looking confused and concerned with the statement that she had just sprung upon them, We were told that Pride leads to Jealousy, and that Jealousy leads to anger...Anger is wrong, isn't it? he asked her, his brow furrowed with confusion and concern as he pondered the question himself.

Looking over to Kaim, then back to Meira, Arichi attempted to read their faces, to Glean some sort of information from them and answer the question himself, but it wasn't possible at the moment. Resigning himself to A lecture from the knight, Arichi stared at Meira, awaiting her Rebuke. If the young Chiss had any problems, it was that he was too steadfast in what he was taught.

[Meira]

Meira nodded and smiled at the youngling's words. Indeed, his question had merit, and she could understand his confusion. The concept itself was fluid, and hard to nail down. Add to that a limited understanding of basic, and she could understand the delima.

You are correct, young one. She said, pausing to let the contradiction show. She wasn't without a sense of humor, and the irony of the statement was worth observing. You will find that many things can lead to bad ends, but as a constant, remember that it is what is in your heart, your mind, your instinct, whatever you wish to call it, that is what guides us most soundly. The Force whispers, and sometimes shouts, but without a clean ear, we cannot hear the message clearly. For you, I think, basic must seem like a maze of a language, yes? She said, craining her head to connect eyes with the blue boy.

You will find that words can have different levels of meaning. Perhaps I should have chosen different ones. My meaning was that to a certain extent, pride as a sense of self worth and confidence is healthy. But you are right. Pride, along with many other feelings can lead to the dark side when taken to excess.

She stopped after that. She felt like she might ramble on for much longer if she didn't check herself. But you two didn't come in here for a lecture, not after just leaving class. Enjoy the music. She said, taking a step back. Before she turned to walk away, she smiled at the human boy. I'll let you know when I've completed that file. She said with a hint of laughter. And if you have more questions, I'd be glad to help. She said to them both. Then she turned and made her way toward the exit.

[kaim]

Kaim listened to the twos' conversation as he thought about pride.

So humans were a bit prideful? What was ever wrong about self confidence, and showing that you were proud of yourself. His gentle hands raised at a 45 degree angle to look at. Kaim was human. Was he too prideful? Like the master said a little pride wasn't that harmful.

"Thank you for your talk Miss." He bowed and added a feminine giggle at the end. "I'll be waiting for more lovely music." He said admitting completely his full passion towards sounds.

"Well wasn't that fun?" He chuckled as he looked to Arichi. He grabbed one of the data-discs and inserted one in the datapad.

Building your Lightsaber The machine spoke out loud giving Kaim a list of options. He passed it to Arichi wondering if he was interested.

"Now, if this movement is the force...well it could be my feelings, but I felt like a third wheel in that conversation. Does she like you or something?" He giggled jokingly as he gave Arichi a nudge.

"So I take it she's one of them Jedi Knights?" He questioned ignoring the fact that he was a third-wheel, but maybe because Arichi showed more interest in her.

[10Tickler]

Listening to the Knight's Final Admonishment, Arichi bowed his head and sighed slightly, thanking her as she left, leaving him with Kaim, alone in their little corner of the Archives alone. Unfocused on what was happening around him, it took a Datadisk to the head for him to snap out of his thoughts and look to Kaim. I apologize my friend, What were you just saying?

As Kaim prodded for more information, Arichi could feel his mind at work already. He had seen The knight only a few minutes before they had entered the Archives, in Master Took's Class. However, for her to follow them here, what could have caused that? Smiling as he heard Kaim's little question, Arichi snorted. I know not whether She felt some sort of Attraction to me...However, yes, she is a knight, and one who possesses wisdom of a high caliber at that... Arichi looked at Kaim, and realized that this was quite possibly a splitting point in his life. He could do one of three things here, two of them hurting his new friend's feelings, the last possibly dooming the Young Chiss to Work in Agriculture.

Swallowing seemed a chore as he opened his mouth to speak again. I am so Sorry my friend, But there is something I must do now, or never be able to do again he said, his brows showing his sorrow at having to make the choice. However, a choice Jon'arichi'kotokk did make, and Rushing away from Kaim, he Headed in the same Direction as Meira, following the Jedi knight out of the Archive section that they had been in.

Lady Knight! he called out, his tone subdued, ever conscious of his surroundings. Please, Wait...I... Stalling in speech, he tried to think of a Good reason to have followed her. I have one last Question

[kaim]

Kaim was silently looking at the different topics, not being able to read a bit of them as his attention was grabbed by Arichi. Turning to the blue toned boy he watched as his friend almost seemed troubled.

"There's something you must do?" He questioned to himself seeing as the other was in quite a hurry. The solide image of the boy rested in his head though. He could feel a glimpse of sadness,but Kaim did not believe it. Perhaps the boy had realized he needed to do homework.

"Bye..." Kaim said quietly wondering if he'd ever be in his class again, or maybe even see him in the hallways.

It came to the intelligent mind of Kaim that maybe...Just maybe it wasn't homework...but something else...

Turning away, he'd disappear from the stacks he was in to head where the food area is. Hunger had stricken him as well as confusion.

"Why so in a hurry?" His vocals vibrated to himself as he exited.

[Meira]

Meira was just at the exit of the archives when a voice sounded behind her. She stopped and turned to see the blue youngling hurrying in her direction. She paused, allowing the boy to come near. He seemed to hesitate for the slightest of moments, then revealed that he had another question.

With a smile, Meira looked down at the boy, her bright green eyes encouraging. She sensed something more behind his move to follow her, but Meira was never one to pry, and so she did not bring it up. If the Force truly was calling the two of them together, then she would wait and see if the boy could sense it as well. She was curious to see how keen the boy's senses were. On top of that, she would see if he could overcome is reserve, as she had also had to learn as a child.

Of course. What is on your mind? She responded warmly.

[10Tickler]

Stumbling over the words in his own head first, then in his own mouth, Arichi seemed to sputter confusedly. I...eh....um... he mumbled, searching for an actual question to ask Meira. It was his own fault, Arichi realized, for being impatient enough to have run after her without an actual question, yet something seemed to pull his thoughts towards her, as though she alone would be able to understand him...

Why... he began, the question forming quickly in his mind as he spoke. Lady Knight...There are many Human students here, Many other races, but it seems that I am the only one of my kind. I know that among Jedi, I cannot be alone, But I wonder...Why am I the only one of my kind here?

Suddenly, he stopped talking, his jaw clamping shut as he looked up at her, then shook his head. My apologies he said suddenly, looking at the floor, shame adding a reddish hue to his skin, making his face look purple. In truth, I had no question to ask, and that was the first one that came to me. I Cannot ask a question like that of you, as it seems to be an unsolvable problem...You are not the one who brought me here, I cannot expect you to know

[Meira]

Meira's eyebrows furrowed together slightly as the boy formed his question. Again, Meira sensed something else behind the boy's motives, but she would not push it. She would let him sort through it himself.

When his question had been asked, Meira pondered the possibie answers for a moment. There were many reasons why this boy was the only one of his kind here, some more practical than others, but all reasons none the less.

When Meira opened her mouth to comment on this, however, the boy took a new direction, withdrawing his question. He admitted that he didn't actually have a question, something Meira had already sensed, and apologized for asking.

Do not apologize, young one. She said, a smile returning to her features. The question is valid, even if I am not the one to answer it. Answers to that question might come in time, be patient and I am sure you will find them.

Meira then took a moment, settling her thoughts with a deep breath. However, there are more pressing questions, I think. She said, her brows furrowing again in thought. The question of why you came hurrying after me, even when you had nothing to ask me. She paused for a moment. The question of why I came to the archives. The question of our initial meeting after your class with Master Took. These are not mere coincidence, young one. The Force has brought us together.

Meira stepped over to a window, where a view of the bustling metropolis commanded the landscape. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes moved about in the crowded traffic lanes, millions of lives carrying on their daily business.

The galaxy is massive. Hundreds, thousands, who knows how many stars and systems, and countless more lives, sentient and otherwise. Her eyes then took in the massive arched ceilings. Even in this temple, countless beings exists. Her eyes then returned to connect with the boy's. And yet you, the only one of your kind that I have ever seen, have crossed paths with me at a time when the Force calls me to take up the next step in a Jedi's life. This is not coincidence. She said, repeating the phrase.

You too are at the end of one stage, are you not? She asked. Search your feelings. What is the Force telling you?

[10Tickler]

Shame was what the Young Jedi Initiate felt at first, ready to be admonished for his reckless abandonment in following Meira out of the Archives. So, Arichi was taken by surprise when rather then scold him, the Female Knight instead decided to offer a Lesson of sorts, speaking to him and telling the Youthful Chiss that something was amiss in the Force itself.

As Meira spoke, Arichi's Mind pondered over the implications of her words, her speech about his presence at the temple, her presence at that exact moment when she arrived in Master Took's class where he had stayed behind, not having any real reason other then the tugging on his thoughts from the Force itself telling him to Meditate a few minutes longer.

When Meira told Arichi that the Force had brought them together with a purpose, the young man looked at her with consternation on his face. Why... he murmured to himself, his mind jumping to the one hope that every Youngling in the temple carries with them. When The Lady Knight mentioned that she was at a Turning point, Arichi moved to the window next to her, closing his eyes and asking the Force silently to lead his words, to Guide his tongue.

After Meira had finished speaking, Arichi inhaled deeply, looking to her and smiling gently. Every Youngling knows the Tenets of the code, Including that which says "A Jedi Must not have wants; Self Reliance must be shown" However, each youngling wants one thing, the reason that we were brought to the Temple...we desire to become Jedi. Taking a Deep breath, he looked back out the window at the world before him, the speeding Citycars, the Airtaxis and the Grandiose buildings that made Coruscant the City Planet and the Center of the Republic.

There was nearly a minute of silence before he spoke again, his eyes flitting down at himself, Yet, every Youngling Doubts themselves, doubts the length and depth of their abilities, of their determination, I do, Kaim does, the best of the best themselves worry that they are not and will not be good enough by the age of choosing... Looking back at Meira, he continued to speak. I am neither the best of the Initiates, nor am I the wisest among them, but yes, I have reached a point where if I do not move forward, I shall be left behind, to join the Agricorps. Please, do not consider me to be conceited, but Lady Knight...

Arichi paused, willing the words to leave his mouth, My name is Jon'arichi'kotokk, son of Jon'thocha'toko he stated, his tongue rolling over the thick, encumbered words with ease, And I believe that I have much to learn, and that much could be learned under your Teachings...If you will have me