Troubles of a youngling (OPEN)

[Oris Kylan]

The temples library was usually full this time a day, with scholars and jedi alike, but today it was quiet. You could here the silent buzz of passing vehicles outside the great window, which was a different change to the ruffling of pages and the quiet clatter of keys on the computers.

Even with the pleasant quietness, Oris' thoughts were on his 13th birthday a crucial day to any youngling. It was the day he would have to make a decision, something that would change his whole future. The date was only a standard month away, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to be padawan. If he even wanted to be one at all.

Forbis, pushed against his arm with his nuzzle, the rodent could tell that there was something on his masters mind and sat there with him in silence.

Truly no one would be angry if he were to take a different path than jedi, would they?

[Synth]

As usual, Thal left his room, travelled down the long halls, until reaching the tower where the great Archives were located. The Jedi Library, as some called it... - There, all his thirst for knowledge could be satisfied, his hunger for knowledge could be silenced. The quality of the information was never compromised for quantity and between tomes and volumes and hundreds of thousands of books, recordings, and general articles about every subject known to the Jedi, he could find the much wanted answers for things as trivial as hair care for humans.

He slipped into the library, mostly unnoticed by the majority of Jedi there. His robes were simple, and his appearance did not stand out. He was nimble, feeble, standing at five feet and two inches, with his hair pulled back into a tight pony tail left to spike and curl 'round mid back. Only his aura, presence in the force, would beckon any more attention that his appearance or hair. It seemed sad, melancholic; it was as palpable as incense, burning around him, writhing in tendrils through the dead chill that ran through the archives. Unrestrained and emotive, Thal sensed his own emotions slip past his pores, but he could do little about it. His face did not show it, he seemed disinterested, but any experienced Knight or weathered Master, one close enough to reach him, could perhaps sense he was troubled. Much like other padawans at the age of 12 galactic standard years, Thal was soon to be thirteen years of age... and that usually meant being shipped off as a laborer with the badge of the Jedi worn proud over their infamous robes... but that didn't seem quite as pleasing as it sounded. Study the force, the Jedi Code, and Jedi tenets and dogma only to be shipped off to plant vegetables and overlook the crops?... Maybe dig around to find old bones, hidden archaeological secrets? Didn't sound too fun. Thal liked the life he led, he was happy in his quarters, visiting the library, training, then going back to his private quarters. The routine was as stable as it had been for years, and only a new mentor or teacher giving the classes to younglings would surprise him nowadays... or so he thought.

His eyes fell upon an avian humanoid-like... thing. Obviously it wasn't just a 'thing', it was a youngling at that, but Thal was nonetheless surprised. Through his studies in The Fourth Hall of the Archives he hadn't yet come across such a race. A beak, feathers adorning the back of the head, small body, and light frame. Thinking it would be rude and impolite to stare, Thal lowered his gaze and chose to quietly approach the fellow Jedi... perhaps he could gain something from their meeting, even if just a name for the race and a name for the being. There was no real reason besides an innate curiosity for Thal approaching Oris, it just seemed to happen. He was drawn, in the way metal is drawn to magnets, to Oris. Something in the air felt nostalgic... but it was beyond Thal to notice that they both felt stressed, worried and perhaps apathetic about the same reasons... their coming of age.

[starwarsgirl008]

Master Luxa Magna stormed into the library. Just returning from her trip to Ryloth, the Jedi Watchman intending on engaging in her intrest on the planet. She may have been born there, but there was still much to learn. As she turned to enter she noticed the young boy, and sensed something troubled. Perhaps I could help, she thought to herself, trying to convince herself to walk over. She had work to do, but her mind wouldn't leave the subject. Eventually she traveled over to the young boy.

I sense someting bothers you young one. Is this true?

[Eternal Skies]

Velos staggered back seemingly pleased with himself. He had all reason to be pleased. He’d just beaten, in a practice duel during his saber class, the fellow youngling who had bested him for the last few weeks. His lightsaber slid into its holster around his waist as Velos’ hand swept across his forehead.

”Velos Borgmen…You are really improving. You are dismissed for today.” The teacher informed the youngling. Velos simply nodded in return and left the room. The corridors were quiet and the time was still early. He had plenty of time before his next session so decided a trip to the archives would be beneficial to his learning.

Upon arrival he saw three people all huddled around one table. The two males seemed to be just older than Velos himself whilst the female seemed to be a high ranking Jedi. The thought caused Velos to sigh. He was slowly approaching his twelfth birthday and he knew that in just over a years time he’d lose his chance at being a Jedi. This was something he didn’t want to happen so he continued to train hard and learn quickly.

Stepping across the quiet room Velos looked down the rows of materials. He couldn’t quite hear what the female had said but he didn’t let that bother him. He wasn’t one to interrupt other people’s business regardless of how curious he was. Browsing the piloting section he reached the archive computer and began slowly reading through beginner’s piloting skills. If he could become more prepared before his specialized training that evening he’d be better off. His ears remained slightly alert to the conversation between the three he had noticed earlier.

[starwarsgirl008]

Amongst waiting a reply from the young Jedi, Luxa sensed a presence behind her and immediately turned to see who the unknown figure was. She was shocked to see who it was.

Velos Borgmen may not have known the accomplished Jedi Master that stood above him, but Luxa definitely knew Velos. Within the past weeks, Luxa made the decision to search for a Padawan, and so met up with various Jedi teachers around the temples. She was given an array of names of aspiring Jedi between the ages of 11 and 13. At the beginning Velos was just another name on the list, but after secretly observing classes and looking into the archives he remained one of Luxa’s top choices. It seems he was the ideal student for Luxa: accomplished in combat and high in skill, yet still open to teaching.

Hmm…it seems something is troubling you, Velos Borgmen?

[Eternal Skies]

Sensing some new attention focused on him Velos turned away from the archive. The blue screen flickered off as his fingers swept across the power switch. Looking up he noticed that the person behind him was the female Jedi who had accompanied the two younger students. Hearing her speak he wondered where she had learned of his name.

”Only partially.” Velos began before straightening up. ”I guess I’m just using up time until my piloting lessons.” Velos explained and smiled warmly. He didn’t quite recognize the Jedi who now paid him attention but he wasn’t going to be rude and ask names.

”May I ask how you know of my name? For I am just a youngling and yet you know my name.” Velos asked politely. His head bowed just slightly to show his respect for the much trained Jedi.

[starwarsgirl008]

"Oh! Forgive me young student! I am Jedi Maste Luxa Magna. And it seems that my knowledge of you comes from your great skill and determination," Luxa said, returning the smile velos had given her.

"But it seems to me that there is more to your troubles than what you have told me," Luxa said, gazing straight into the eyes of velos.

[Eternal Skies]

Luxa Magna. That name was rather familiar to Velos. He’d heard about this female Jedi but where from he couldn’t quite remember. The lack of memory irritated him but he let it slip to the back of his mind. His head bowed down and he nodded.

”It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Magna. I’m glad that I caught you attention with my training. Velos responded politely and lifted his face to look up at Luxa’s. Her second statement surprised him. It was as if she could tell what his thoughts were. The force maybe?

”You’d be right in your suspicions but I wouldn’t want to burden your shoulders with my problems. I’ll cope alright.” Velos smiled. His eyes seemed to gleam with determination and pride.

[starwarsgirl008]

"Child, I have time. Please, it seems as though you wish to hide your true feelings from me. If you continue this behavior, no Master will accept you as a Padawan." Luxa told Velos, hoping to convince him to open up.

[Eternal Skies]

The words that Luxa spoke shocked Velos and he sighed. Why had he not realized that? He looked up at Luxa.

”My apologies Miss Magna. I did not mean to seem rude and I hope I did not offend you.” Velos bowed his head before straightening up. ”But you are right. I was as I did not want to keep you from your daily business but since you wish me to I will reveal my troubles.” Velos admitted.

”I am just slightly dismayed as I’ve been here for many years training hard and yet I am still masterless. It’s as if my efforts are being overlooked by the higher ranked Jedi and it sort of upsets me.” Velos’ voice wasn’t filled with his normal joy but instead sounded quite hurt at the thought. He looked up at Luxa wondering if she understood how he felt.

[starwarsgirl008]

"That was just the answer I was waiting to hear. I completley agree. A determined, hard working, highly skilled youngling should not be without a Master." The words sprung from Luxa's mouth. She had waited a while to say them, and so she knew the exact word to say.

"I would like to offer you a posistion as a Padawan under me." Luxa suddenly said. It seemed as though she hadn't planned to say that, because she had jumped a little afterward, but she remained posistioned and didn't take back her words.

[Eternal Skies]

Velos looked up at Luxa surprised by her words. Whether she was talking about himself being a determined, hard working, highly skilled youngling he didn’t know but the words themselves caused him to smile.

”I am glad you agree but I need someone…” Velos was about to say more when he heard Luxa’s second statement. He found himself lost for words but the smile on his face spoke many words.

”Th…Thank you…Thank you” Velos muttered still trying to grasp the situation. ”I can’t believe it…This means so much to me. Thank you Miss Magna. I will work my utmost hardest and will make you a very pleased Master. Velos said bowing his head in thanks with the greatest smile on his face expressing his joy.

[starwarsgirl008]

"Very good, very good!" Luxa said smiling. "For now, you may return to your quarters and get a day's rest, for soon I will wish for you to accompany me on a visit to Ryloth!"

[Eternal Skies]

Velos couldn’t believe his ears. So shortly after obtaining a Master he was going to be leaving Coruscant. He had no memories of ever leaving the planet so to be heading out so soon was beyond his imagination.

“Thank you Master Magna. When are we leaving?” He asked with beaming gratitude obvious in his voice. He looked at his master up and down happily. It was going to be a great partnership.

[starwarsgirl008]

"As soon as possible!" Luxa said. Suddenly the calm Jedi grew excited. "I will leave right away and set up some escorts for us. I'll have an escort waiting for you. Come as soon as you are ready. Be careful, and I will see you in a while, my Padawan." The word rang through Luxa's mind as she exited the library and headed for her ship.

[Eternal Skies]

Velos nodded understanding that he’d be tested soon in all traits of being a Jedi. He was slightly nervous but wasn’t going to show it right now.

”I will be there soon. I just need to gather my belongings and I will be there soon. I can’t wait.” Velos said before running out of the room. He felt his lightsaber handle rattle in its belt strap as he rushed into his private quarters.

Taking the brand new rucksack from the wall Velos began chucking a few things inside. A medics kit just in case and some food and water as he didn’t know how long he’d be away. Within ten minutes he was ready and wondering where he would meet up with Luxa. He looked around and walked slowly towards the archives wondering if she’d returned there to collect him. He hadn’t heard much of what she had said after the prospect of a mission already.

[starwarsgirl008]

The escort Luxa had left noticed the wandering Padawan, and approached the youngling. He gestured for him to follow and walked out of the library toward a ship that Luxa had left. With both of them on, it blaster off to Ryltoh.