The Wayward Knight

[Grawn]

The Jedi Temple of Coruscant was like a blazing sun in the vastness of space, it was near impossible to not notice. Jedi of all ranks walked around the outside, heading to a session of this, or making there way somewhere. A large staircase lead up a large door that was the entrance to the jewel that dotted the planet, and Erfies found himself at the bottom of the seemingly endless stairs.

The former Jedi took in the view, smiling at the fact that the Temple had seemed to change little since he had left. He had missed the feeling of peace that the place seemed to radiate and of course, the feeling of the Force. There was no greater place to experience the Force then here, Erfies liked to think. He wore a worn brown cloak, to be exact, the cloak he had before leaving the Order all those years ago, and a gray jumpsuit. He had only enough credits to get the bare needed equipment, extravogent clothings wasnt on that list.

His beard wasnt the most well maintained but it was respectfully cut and trimmed to make sure he didnt seem the picture of a beggar that had wandered to the Jedi Temple. His blue eyes scanned around, not recognizing the faces of any of the robed people that walked about, which made since but Erfies had hoped to see someone he recalled at least vaguely. Taking a deep breath, he started to walk up the stairs, recalling memories of his younger years as a padawan. How many times had he gone up and down these stairs? He didnt care to count.

The climb seemed to take forever but oddly enough, it ended quicker then expected as Erfies looked at the entrance to the Temple. He stopped for a moment and looked up, taking in the large structure that brought back so many memories but now wasnt the time to get starstruck, he realized. He had come to try and convince the Jedi to allow him back in the Order after his leaving so many years ago and he could only imagine what it would feel like to fail at this.

His son had to still be alive, he knew it. The visions he recieved at Tatooine seemed to suggest something was up, the Force made it clear to that point. Only through reestablishing himself as a Knight, would he be able to battle the coming darkness that the Force had revealed during his trip to Coruscant. Things were changing, the dark side was beginning to rise once again in the galaxy and the Jedi needed all the help they could get, Erfies hoped they wouldnt refuse his offer. The memory of Ibapo taking his son to a life of the Dark side was vivid in his head and the former Jedi wouldnt be surprised if his son was among the fallen now.

Steeling himself, he approached the door. Two men stood guard at it, talking to one another before Erfies came and when they saw him, they stood at attention. "State your business", the guard ordered, not in a hostile tone but in a stern one as he looked at the cloaked man that stood before him. Lowering his hood so the man and his partner could see his face fully, not wanting to be suspicious looking, Erfies bowed. "Im seeking an audience with the Jedi Council. Could this be arranged?", he asked in a respectful tone.

"Indeed it can, give me a moment.", the man asked, taking out a comm from his utility belt and activating it. "We have a man outside seeking an audience with the Council, could someone come down here and escort him." "Someone will be there momentarily.", came back a female voice and the guard put the comm back on his belt. "My apologizes, standard procedure.", he informed Erfies, even though he gave off nothing to suggest annoyance.

"No problem at all.", Erfies replied cheerfully and put his hands inside his cloaks sleeves. Patience was something he had to deal with all his life, no point in getting fussy about it now. The former Jedi turned away to look across the sprawling city landscape of Coruscant, watching speeders fly by. He truly hoped the Jedi wouldnt make this trip for nothing but he had faith in them, the Jedi were the protectors of the galaxy and he didnt think they would refuse a former Knight. He would wait patiently till someone arrived to get him and hopefully it would all begin again for him.

A content smile on his face, he waited.

[Iota]

Gaius had for a moment left the quietness of the council chamber to view on the progress of the new batch of jedi younglings patrolling the grand corridors. He did enjoy watching the younger generation soaking in the knowledge that would in the future make them strong soldiers of the light.

A few moments had passed before a gaurd approached the council member, he bowed before speaking "Master jedi... there is a man outside and he wishes to speak with a high ranking jedi... what would you wish for me to do, sir?" The young gaurd asked. Gaius smiled before casually pointing to the direction of the entrance to the temple "Let us go meet this wanderer shall we?" he smiled.

Gaius made his way to the entrance to lay his gaze upon the jedi knight Erfies, who had left the order some time ago "Ah, greetings.. Erfies, is it? its been along time since you last stumbled up these steps...how can i be of service to you?" Gaius stood tall with a slight smile on his face.

[Jace]

Jace was quietly sitting in his chair in the half empty council chamber. Todays business was already dealt with, some of the members liked to escape the council chambers while others meditated in the relative peace. Usually Jace used to get out and stretch his legs, he was a council member but he was still relatively young compared to some others. Lately though, he had taken to focusing on his inner self and strengthening his already great connection to the force. As he was medidating he felt a certain change in the force, and a mouth upturned the slightest bit.

An interesting person has just arrived to the Jedi Temple, I wonder what he will bring Jace thought to himself

He opened his eyes and looked up and got an ever so slight nod from the grand mistress.

[Grawn]

Giving a small smile as a Falleen approached him, Erfies bowed before the Jedi. He didnt recall much of this particular Jedi, his memory fogged by time and drink, but he was friendly as possible. "It has been a long time, far to long, since i stepped foot in such a peaceful place. To avoid any awkwardness, may i ask of your name?", Erfies asked politely and calmly, straightning up. He was rather surprised that anyone would recognize him, Erfies had been gone for awhile. While the Council had never given any outward distress that was noticeable when he had left, the former Jedi wondered if they would allow him re-entry. Those thoughts evaporated as the Falleens face came to mind once again, but in a memory of him walking into the Council Chamber at the day of his leaving.

The Council had been in attendance, as was customary, as Erfies had walked into the room. The young Knight stood tall and proud, lightsaber in hand as he had walked in towards the middle of the circlular room. All around, faces of Council Members that he knew and some didnt, watched him and that Falleens face seemed to stand out in the memory. After a second of concentration, the name came to him.

"Master Gaius!", Erfies laughed, "My apologizes once again, it took a moment to recall you. I was hoping to speak with you and the Council about something to do with the events of my leaving, if you permit of course.", he finished, wrapping his cloak around him. He felt as if he was about to walk across broken glass, each step needed to be taken gentley but that was probably just him and his cautious nature taking over. The Falleen master had always been a fairly welcoming person and Erfies had little doubt he had changed.

[Iota]

Gaius listened intently to the exile's words, a serious look up his face. Gaius could sense erfies was out on a limb. He waited a few moments before he smiled and responded "Yes, of course... i'm sure my collueges will be interested in what you have to say." Gaius made a polite gesture follow him "Come, Exile".

Gaius had headed straight to the Council chambers quickly, he was in no real hurry but he wanted to hear what this exile wanted to get off of his chest. "Fellow Council members, this is the jedi exile Erfies and he wishes to speak with us....Erfies... you may begin" Gaius's voice bellowed out, waking a council member or two who had actually fallen asleep.

[Grawn]

Standing in the middle of the Council room, eyes of all powerful Jedi Masters watching intently upon him was a little unnerving, but Erfies steeled himself as he cleared his throat to speak. He had to make this good, giving these men reason for one who had easily dismissed the Order to gain reentry. The Jedi Order wasnt something one could casually come and go, but Erfies cleared his thoughts as his speech that had been running through his head since his ride to Coruscant started to come from his mouth.

"Esteemed members of the Council, i come to you humbley and respectively today to bring up a matter that had been dismissed so many years ago.", he began, scanning his audience with his blue eyes. "You all are aware of the events that are beginning to take place within our galaxy. The Dark side is rising once again in the Force and the wind of change is starting to brew. Undoubtly, you can all sense the shift as well as I, even in my reduced state." The former Jedi sighed momentarily, his words coming easier to his mind as he continued, "With the imbalance that is beginning to take place, it is inevitable that battle will come with users of the Dark side. You will require Jedi whom are ready to defend the Republic and its citizens from the growing threat."

Erfies closed his eyes and breathed deep, feeling the peace and the serenity of the Jedi temple embrace him. When he closed his eyes, all doubt left him and without heistance, he finished what he had come to do. "I request, that i be reinstated as a Jedi Knight. My exile was rash and thoughtless, caught up in fruitless emotions that led to the great disturbance in my life. I have only recently composed myself, after recouping from my past and now come before you in asking for forgiveness. I was born and trained on Coruscant and it was foolish of me to leave the Order, the decision is yours finally, esteemed Jedi of the Jedi Council, but know that the darkness is coming. The Republic will need heros in this dark time and im willing to become one again.

As he finished, he looked to Gaius and nodded. Then, clearing his throat once more, the former Jedi went to a kneel before the Council, awaiting their judgement in anticipation.

[Iota]

Gaius brushed his chin for a moment in contemplation, whispers starting to stir with in the council chambers. "Exile.. you abandonned the order..you abandonned your teachings.. for what, love?.. it was foolish of you as you know the consequences..." Gaius closed his eyes for a moment as he sensed Erfies feelings "i feel no sign of deciet in him, i believe that he has been redeemed from his former emotions to be truth" Gaius looked to the other members of the council and nodded to them.

[Grawn]

His words stung as Erfies cringed inside. While he would never regret marrying Mariel, it was something that had scarred him. The wound had healed but it still burned, but now that she was gone, he could dedicate himself to the Jedi and protect the galaxy, something he was sure Mariel would've wanted. There was still the matter of Grawn, but that would be dealt with in time.

"I haved learned much, Masters. The choice is ultimately yours.", he spoke softly, still kneeling before them.

[Jace]

Jace slowly opened his eyes as the Jedi Knight and Gaius walked into the council chamber. He looked over the knight both physically and with the force. He knew this knight had felt some profound loss, but he knew that was exactly where the knights problem lay. After collecting his thoughts for a few moments, Jace responded.

"Erfies, I sense that there is a great deal of remorse, guilt, and even pain in you. It does not take a master to realize that all these do not stem from you leaving the Order. You have lost something, something that was dear to you. While I sympathize, I am also not as forgiving or lenient as Master Gaius is here."

He paused a moment for continuing, to give both himself and the knight time to reflect

"There are reasons for which the Jedi Order strictly forbids what you have done. Attachment in the end will only bring pain to a Jedi, for this is our fate as defenders of peace. When the loss comes, there will be suffering and possibly even hate, and you know all to well where that path takes you. You seem resolute on the outside, yet there is conflict within."

Jace realized he was looking too grim and a slight smile appeared on his face

"Erfies, you must understand for us to truly understand your want to come back, you must tell us the whole truth. Something has happened that has made you want to come back and become a Jedi. An event perhaps? Maybe even a vision? I am not sure. The fact is, there a deeper and more important reason for you wanting to return to the Jedi. Do not think for a second that the Jedi Order needs you to battle the forces of dark. Now come Erfies, tell us the full truth behind your return, for only then will we be able to truly judge you"

(OOC:Sorry if it seems harsh, I just wanted to make sure it was not like a walk in the park for your jedi )

[Grawn]

Sighing, Erfies nodded at Jace as he stood up from his kneeling. "Aye, i suppose this was to come up sooner or later. Fine, i will explain myself further as you wish.", he said calmly as he quickly scanned the room then taking a breath. "It is true, that i left the Order for love, this is well known. This love, gave to me a son whom was taken from me years ago by my brother, Ibapo, perhaps you recall him? Anyhow, he had taken my son and left me to die on the floor of my home. I was able to recover but went through a emotional breakdown, reducing myself to a drunk in one of the cantinas in Mos Eisley." The former Jedi winced inside a little, being a drunk probably didnt look to good in the eyes of the Master but he wouldnt alter his story.

"Recently, i had recieved a vision, of a young man filled with rage and hatred. He looked similar to me and i have come to the conclusion that the Force has shown me that my son is still alive somewhere, a user of the Dark side now. While the location of Ibapo is unknown and i have no lust for revenge, i realize that with the coming conflict that i would eventually run into my son." Erfies stopped momentarily to catch his breath and then continued. "My son is the result of my mistake and i believe it is my duty to turn him...or remove him as a threat." The former Jedi choked somewhat on the last few words. Could he kill his own son? Regardless of his beliefs and powers, Grawn was still his boy and Erfies couldnt see himself coming to kill his own flesh and blood, a product of him and Mariels love.

In the end, only time could tell. Right now, Erfies had to first convince the Jedi Masters that he wasnt tainted, something the former Jedi himself, started to wonder.

[Iota]

Gaius looked to jace before looking back to Erfies, deep in contemplation he sighed. "The jedi order is not a means to an end, Exile.. we do not exist for your benefit..you cannot leaveand come back when you feel like it...." Gaius took a few moments before speaking again "we can appreciate your travels as a lone wanderer.. even some of the council fell from the path, but they made the promise to never leave of their own free will and it was no easy task, i assure you..."

Gaius shuffled in his seat for a moment as he thought about all the possibilities and on what to suggest. "Though, you were always dedicated before hand.. and i am sure you won't make the same mistake.." He paused for a moment deep in thought "the only way we, the voice of the jedi order, could accept you back is under the strict supervision of a ocuncil member.. hence thereforth, if the council agree... you will be under my supervision" He nodded as he finished his sentance before sitting up straight in his seat.

[Grawn]

Erfies nodded. He was aware how foolish he looked, wanting to rejoin as if it was some club invented by young children. "I understand fully Master Gaius. But the past is in the past, i can only redeem my folly choices then by making the right ones now. I ask for no special treatment what so ever, only the chance to make up for my past." His face grew serious as he waited for the Council members reply.

[Jace]

Jace listened quietly and took his time as Gaius also spoke to process the information which was told to him. He closed his eyes and slipped into the force, then what a few moments later opened them. He rubbed his forehead and looked around the council chambers. He could sense the same hesitation in them as he had, but they all seemed to nod ever so slightly. Jace rubbed his forehead and then looked up and addressed Erfies.

"Very well, Master Gaius here will oversee your progress and return to the Jedi Order. He will make sure that you are indeed worthy of returning to the Jedi Order. I shall also be in contact with yourself and Master Gaius, so we can both assess your progress and report to the council. The council has made its decision Knight Erfies, do not disappoint us again"

He gave an encouraging nod to both Master Gaius and Erfies, hoping that Erfies truly was meant to return to the Jedi order. So many have left the Order but too few even try to return.

[Iota]

Gaius looked to Jace before turning his attention back to Erfies. "So be it... You shall follow me in my travels and i shall be watching over you to make sure you are ready and capable... I shall be scouting for a new padawan learner shortley... by watching my teachings, it may give you a greater understanding on why we must take these steps... do you understand"

Gaius stood before bowing slightly to the other council members. He then stood to the side of the jedi knight Erfies as he waited for him to respond.

[Grawn]

The former Jedi smiled warmly as he heard the decision. He defintely felt as if a weight had been lifted from him, he now had the chance to write his wrongs. "Thank you Masters.", he stated humbley, bowing and looking to Gaius as he came to his side. "Thank you both for this chance. I will not disappoint either of you." As the Council started to disperse, leaving the large oval room, Erfies walked along side Gaius. Various emotions played within his mind but he quickly reigned them in. He had to control himself more then he had in his self imposed exile, there was no doubt in his mind that it wouldnt be a rough experience.

He was rusty on various things but he knew he would regain them quickly enough. Erfies was always adept with lightsaber combat, Makashi being his most practiced form when he was a Jedi before the events of now. "So, Master Gaius. What do suggest we do first. Im a bit lacking from my long absense but its nothing i cant quickly regain with time." he questioned as the pair walked away from the Council chamber.

He momentarily closed his eyes before the Falleen master could reply, letting the Force wash over him like an ocean wave on the sandy beaches of Naboo. Erfies had some physical training to deal with, but deep down, he knew had more emotional matters to put to rest. He could only hope that he could overcome them.

(OOC: Sorry bout the absense, been busy lately.)

[Iota]

Gaius nodded to Erfies as they walked out of the chambersand into the great hallway. "First things first... its time for me to take on a new padawan learner.. and there is one if i have felt skulking around here some where.." He pondered for awhile as they walked together. "your lightsaber.. did you retain it? you should of given it up to the council when you left as you were no longer a jedi.... maybe if you create a new one. it will bring you a little bit closer." He nodded.

[Grawn]

A new lightsaber? The thought raced across Erfies mind as the Falleen master made the suggestion. Of course, he would require one, he didnt expect to get the beautifully crafted lightsaber he had left behind to the Council all those years ago. "Indeed, where would you suggest getting the parts for them Master Gaius? My memory of the construction is still there, only where to get the parts except the crystal escape me.", he replied, staring into space as they walked side by side.

"Ill need to spend sometime in a chamber of my own, hopefully i can gain access to a room here in the Temple. I'll need the seclusion to mentally prepare myself for the road ahead and im sure ill need to visit the training rooms at some point. So much to think about it would seem.", chuckled the Jedi Knight as he realized regaining his former composure would be a chore but one he would gladly take on, just as he had before.

"A padawan, hm? Any younglings caught your attention?". Erfies asked suddenly, nearly forgetting the Masters previous comment on such things.