A Meeting In The Garden

[Vreem Took]

Leaving the Council Chambers was a breath of fresh air, the Jedi Master was still not used to it again, it felt familiar to when he first joined the Council around a year ago. Hopefully it would fade with time, as it had then.

But now he walked with a knowing stride through the halls of the Jedi Temple. Every now and then he’d shoot a brief glance to the padawan accompanying him, just to make sure she was still following. In all his years at the temple Vreem knew of only one place which was truly peaceful and as he walked though the arched entrance he remembered exactly why. The Room of a Thousand Fountains, it was primed with beautiful specimens of plants from a huge variety of worlds. And the fountains flowed with such grace and gentleness that often it felt wrong to run one’s hand over the water.

This place provided great calm and privacy, it wasn’t hard to find some section which was not being used, and that would provide them the seclusion they required to talk. Stumbling upon two unused meditation chairs, Vreem sat down on one and gestured to the padawan to do the same.

His smile was soft and warm as they spread across his youthful features. He appeared as though he was only a little bit off thirty, when in truth he was ten years older. His race meant that members of the Order would often mistake his age, think he was younger and lacking in experience when in truth he was often older than most who judged him. That’s why to any onlooker, Vreem calling the padawan he accompanied ‘young one’ might seem somewhat strange. After all, she was a woman in her own right and he seemed as though he wasn’t even ten years older than she, let alone twenty. But he supposed that calling her ‘young one’ at her age was demeaning more than anything and so he would have to speak differently to her now. He supposed introductions were first since he did not know her name, he couldn’t remember speaking to Oona when she had an apprentice, but their last few encounters had only been brief.

“I am Jedi Master Vreem Took,” he said, that smile still present, “before I was asked to join the High Council I was a Watchman of the Order and also a sentinel, such as your Master. What is your name Padawan? And what is it you want as you walk down this path of the Jedi?” His legs folded on the seat, Vreem’s fingers slid together as he awaited her response.

[Keilara]

Keilara followed her new master through the halls of the temple berating herself for her behavior in the council chambers

Egotistical, selfish, rude... could I have done a worse job?

She occasionally looked up from the floor as they traveled along and once or twice caught him glancing at her

Nope, I don’t think I could have really. And now I’ve probably started this all off on the wrong foot. Good job self ...

She was so absorbed in her inner dialogue that she never realized where they were headed and was knocked from her thoughts by the sudden peaceful stillness that descended when they entered the room.

I’ve never been here before...

In awe she looked around the room, stretching out a hand as they passed by the plants and fountains and allowed her fingers to trail lightly along the leaves. A relaxing sigh escaped her lips as she followed her master until he found two seats for them. She waited till he was seated and gestured for her to do the same before settling into her chair and softly closing her eyes, allowing the peaceful presence of the Force to envelope her.

After a few moments she opened her eyes and studied her new master. His questions startled her and she realized how unused to conversation she had become again. She suddenly felt as though she were 8 years old again and Oona had just walked through the doors and made a beeline for her with one of those long drawn out descriptions of some planet she had been sure she’d never be able to visit. How those visits had irked her when she was younger.

A small smile played on her lips as she remembered those first few years and reluctantly she dragged herself back to the present. Her smile faded as she thought about his question and she took her time answering him. Master Oona hadn’t raised a poor diplomat and Keilara was determined to mend any problems she may have caused with her lack of tact in the council chambers.

”It is a pleasure to meet you Master Took. I am Keilara Starwind. Thank you for choosing to complete my training...”

She paused a moment to collect her thoughts before answering his second question.

“What do I want... I would answer that but the path I have chosen is less a path for myself and more a path for others, so the question becomes what can I achieve in order to help others. That truly is what I want if I am to be selfish and admit it to myself. I want to help others. Whether it be ending a fight between younglings or helping to resolve a difficult situation between to world leaders. I seek peace... for myself as well as others. Peace through words..”

She let out a small laugh.

“Since I rather fail at achieving peace through battle...”

She allowed her gaze to wander from her new master to a fountain off a bit in the distance. She would forever blame herself for Oona’s death. Her eyes dropped to her hands and a wry smile flitted across her face as she saw they were clenched into fists in her lap. She felt her eyes start to tear up and shook her head to clear them away before lifting her head to look at her master.

“I want to succeed so that something like what happened with Master Oona never happens again.”

[Vreem Took]

Vreem had caught a glimpse of Keilara’s smile and was somewhat glad that the Room of a Thousand Fountains had eased her heart, if but for a fleeting heartbeat. He sat with a straight back in the meditation chair, listening to what the Padawan had to say in response to his question, he let her voice resonate with the tumbling water and gentle flow of the air between the leaves.

As expected, Master Oona had trained a Padawan who was very adept at speaking her mind and thinking about subjects on a much deeper level than a lot of Jedi. Whilst the Force required conceptualisation and, more typically, the application of philosophy in order to properly teach and study it, there were Jedi who would limit their thoughts on the matter, reaching a point at which they were content and that they never sought to expand upon. It was a shame and in many cases a waste of potential.

“Hmm,” the Jedi Master pondered for a moment, regarding the Padawan’s words. “To know that you wish to bring peace no matter the scale or importance is comforting; having such firm ideals will help you throughout your time as a Jedi.”

He paused for a moment, the words which he was about to say had to be carefully chosen, he could quite easily give the wrong impression. “Peace through words can often be achieved, as Master Oona quite right showed throughout her time as a Jedi. However, we do not live in a galaxy which allows us to go about our business without the security of certain tools.” Reaching around his belt the Jedi Master felt the two lightsabers he carried on him. Vreem took his own lightsaber, leaving his master’s where it was. “In order to survive many of the encounters we are confronted with during our missions, we Jedi must resort to the use of the lightsaber to protect, although I wish it were not the case.”

Vreem sighed, the use of the lightsaber was a tricky subject, although often not on a surface level, and at times the Jedi Master was not even sure where he stood when it came to matters involving their use. “In an ideal world,” he said, starting up again, “we would not need to use these tools, or even carry them around with us, words would be enough. In fact, in an ideal galaxy, there would be no need for the Jedi at all, but I digress. We do not live in an ideal galaxy, beings hurt one another and power is forever strived for. Power can do things to one’s mind which render words, no matter how strong, utterly ineffective; this is the same for anger and hate, and all the chemicals which many unfortunate citizens resort to in their lives. Words are our primary intent as Jedi, but so are our skills.” He finished, rounding the speech up to link in nicely with what Keilara had said.

“I think that in order to avoid a reoccurrence of Master Oona’s fate you should work not only improving your diplomacy, but also your abilities with a lightsaber and with the Force.” This was a recommendation that Vreem would have given to any and all students ever since he had been teaching. But now that he and those on the Council knew of the fate that was most likely awaiting them, he felt even more pressure to lead students down a path which would prepare them for the tasks to come. Of course, he could not say anything to Keilara about the things the Council knew, he was not permitted to mention it to anyone other than those Masters who frequented the seats of the chamber daily. Truthfully, however, Vreem knew that after a little while he would most likely divulge what he knew, when he was sure of Keilara and that he could trust her.

But right now there were simply lessons to teach and subjects to cover. He smiled again to Keilara before moving on in discussion. “Keilara, when you came before the Council you said you wished to create your lightsaber, is this true? And do you have the materials you will need? Have you been to Ilum to acquire a crystal?” Vreem steadied his tempo when he realised he was beginning to ask too many questions. The creation of one’s lightsaber was an important part of a Jedi’s life, Vreem was sure of that.

[Keilara]

She could feel the tears coming back and quickly dropped her head. She hated that discussions about Master Oona still brought her to tears and Master Took spoke with such calmness, that her composure as she sat there was being shattered.

When he reached to his side and withdrew his lightsaber she flinched. Though she knew she would have to create her own, the sight of one still made her somewhat sick. She had Master Oona’s locked away in her quarters and was afraid to take it out. The inevitable break down that would occur when she next laid her hands on it kept it shut away in the dark.

Keilara was thankful for the pause he took and matched his sigh with her own closing her eyes briefly and clenching her hands together willing the wave of nausea to pass.

It does no good to be weak. Are you ready to continue or not... Stop being a baby...

She took calming breaths as she listened to his next words. He, of course, made perfect sense; but her now intense dislike of violence clashed with reason.

In an ideal world... Does our use of violence as even a last resort keep that ideal world from coming to fruition?

She sighed as her thoughts continued to circle around, and her attention drifted only to be quickly snapped back by his stating she would need to improve her lightsaber skills. Her breath hitched as the blood drained from her face. Her hands began to tremble as she held them tightly together and tried to hide them in her robes. She was still trying to regain her composure when he began shooting questions at her. Struggling for emotional stability, she answered him shortly and quickly.

“No Master, I have not been to get my own crystal. Yes, I do have most of the materials I will need. I had hoped to use Master Oona’s crystal but have been unable to bring myself to even handle her lightsaber much less dismantle it.”

Her eyes filled with tears and she fiercely swiped at them as she answered his first question trying to keep her voice from trembling.

“It is one of the trials to complete your own lightsaber. If I could achieve knighthood without having to build one I would, but I can’t. And I have to overcome my fear. It was my weakness that caused Master Oona’s death, my inabilities...”

She took in a shaky breath

“I have to do this. I have to succeed and this fear just makes me weaker.”

[Vreem Took]

As her eyes filled with the tears of sadness and regret, Vreem’s training created within the Jedi Master a state of confusion. He knew that crying was not something the Jedi would see with sympathetic eyes; most would consider it a breach of the code, a blatant expression of emotions. But then there was compassion, the compassion he had towards other sentient beings, and that included the Jedi. He probably should have handed out some form of mild lecture followed by a stronger one later, but that could easily break Keilara given the state she was in. It was perhaps lucky that Vreem was not a typical Jedi.

“There is a path for those who do not wish to wield a lightsaber, it is one not often travelled and also one I would not recommend for you Keilara. Your Master trained you to use a lightsaber just as she taught you the art of diplomacy; it is not something you should turn away from. Death is a part of life, and both are a part of the Force. Master Oona knew this; it is why I believe she would have had no regrets in giving her life so you might live yours. You must not put it down to weakness on your part; there is no way Master Oona would have abided thought such as that.” He paused for a moment; the weight of this conversation was not something to be taken lightly.

“You have to try and overcome the emotions you feel Keilara, your fear dishonours all the things your Master taught you. For her sake you must remain strong, remember the lessons you have learned from her and apply them. That is how you can honour her and honour her death, firmly respecting and living by the things she has taught you.” It seemed like the only thing he could say to her. The death of someone close should not lead one to resign themselves to a life of regret and fear. That is never what they would have wanted. Death had to be accepted and used to drive one on further in life, to make the life, even the death, to have truly meant something. That was the intent which came across within the stress of his tone, even if it was not what he directly said.

Leaving a few moments of quiet, he reached towards his belt again and this time he pulled away with his master’s lightsaber firmly in his hand. He placed it on the seat, above his own, so that it was closer to Keilara. “The lightsaber of your Master is not something you should fear, Keilara. This is my Master’s; I carry it on me at all times. Whilst the blade may trigger memories we would rather forget, they are things we should remember. They are things that we should learn from, that we should use in order to grow as Jedi, to better ourselves and to allow the memory of them to live on. We shall forever be our master’s pupil, even when they are no longer a part of this world.”

“Instead of fearing your Master’s lightsaber, take it and use it to construct your own. Let the blade forever serve as a reminder why you are a Jedi and who it is that got you to where you are. Unlike my own, your Master had philosophies and beliefs which should be strived for, show her that you still aim for those things by making her lightsaber part of your own.” He fell quiet. It was a sombre mood indeed, the matter that they were discussing, but one which nevertheless needed to be clarified. It then came to Vreem how he’d spoken of his own Master, Kel was not someone he ever liked to speak of, yet here the Council Member had mentioned him quite frequently, even making reference as to why he had not followed his own words and made his saber from his Master’s. Fortunately it did not seem as though Keilara would be in the mood to question him about his past, her own life had wrapped around her like a cocoon.

She was still caught in between, in a stasis that held her back. Vreem hoped that he could help her break free from that shell of self-doubt, to reveal the true Jedi deep within, to see her beautiful wings.

[Keilara]

Keilara never raised her head to look at her master and as he started speaking she closed her eyes and took a deep breath willing the tears to stop. She was grateful that he did not take to speaking harshly as others had when she had been caught crying and pulled herself into meditation as he spoke, allowing his words to be the current guiding her thoughts.

There is no ignorance... She had known she would someday have to wield a lightsaber once again, and her heart so wanted the peace brought by using Master Oona’s in her own that she had also known she would one day use it’s parts in her own. Slowly her heart settled into the peace of the Force. The melody of the fountains, the hum of life from the plants, and the words of Master Took all came together.

I will remain strong... I was not trained to be weak. I have mourned my loss long enough.

As Master Took fell silent, Keilara finally felt she had found the peace she was looking for. Though she had been unwilling to tie herself to another person, afraid of the inevitable bonding and connections that would take place. But he was right, being afraid of all of that did nothing but dishonor her former master. Master Oona had passed on into the Force, and she had done so with the belief that Keilara would continue on to grow and become stronger and more capable.

Slowly she opened her eyes, calm, collected, and at ease, and watched as he withdrew the other lightsaber he carried at his side. She listened intently as he spoke, his words reaffirming the decision she had come to.

”We shall forever be our master’s pupil, even when they are no longer a part of this world.”

Those words resounded within her. She would forever be Master Oona’s pupil, and the foundations Oona had set would be further built on by Master Took. She nodded in understanding as he spoke, but made no distinction in her response as he spoke of his master. Keilara may have been young, but she knew well that not every Jedi had led the relatively charmed and easy life she had. If the man sitting in front of her had overcome his obstacles then she could do no better than to learn from him.

“You are right Master.” she replied. Her emotions were finally once again tightly reigned in. Now that she had accepted that she would not be allowed to continue on her own it was easier to put aside her grief. “I do Master Oona a great disservice allowing my sadness at her passing to cause me to fear the future. No one person is perfect and we learn from their mistakes as well as our own....”

Keilara paused herself, eyes widening a bit.

“I’m sorry Master... I had no right to say that...” Her eyes quickly searched his face for signs that she had overstepped.

[Vreem Took]

Vreem was relieved and somewhat proud as he witnessed Keilara chose her path. Often a direct confrontational approach like the one he had chosen was risky. Whilst it was his preference it still could have caused the padawan to stumble further from the way of the Jedi, if she’d chosen grief over reason. It seemed that Master Oona had indeed taught Keilara well and had a positive impact on her life. With all of that said and done, the feeling of pride confused the Jedi Master to some degree. Of course he was always proud when saw a fellow Jedi overcome negative feelings and emotions in order to further themselves as Jedi, but this time it felt different. In fact, he was painfully reminded of Ren when he thought about it more.

It was then that he realised that perhaps something was beginning to form, it was the smallest and slightest thing, but it was perhaps a bond. Like the bonds he shared with Jace, Eris, Meira, Jahn, Niv-Taro, Ren and Kel. They were the few in the Order to whom he felt a special connection, and now he could feel something odd yet familiar slowly beginning to grow between himself and Keilara. He attributed his feelings to that fact.

He raised an eyebrow as she swiftly tried to apologise for her words. But this was quickly followed by a smile. “You spoke the truth Keilara, and that is something you have right to.” He chuckled a little bit be carrying on. “I think you’ll learn quite quickly that I’m not like many of the Masters in the temple. I’m not so tempted, nor eager, to breath strict rules and regulations down your neck. Unlike most of the other Masters I’m not a fan of lectures.” He froze for a moment at the end of his sentence, an unnatural pause followed by a look of confusion on his face as his eyes seemed to focus inwards. “No… wait, that’s a lie,” he said with a stretching smile and a small laugh, “I’m a huge fan of lectures. Giving them that is, I like to think I’m too old to be on the receiving end of one” he added warmly. Hopefully his little unintentional slip up had allowed some of the tension between them to dissipate. He wanted to show that he wasn’t one of the tight-lipped and disapproving Jedi Masters he had known during the earlier years of his time in the Order.

Of course, he could be serious when it was required, like he had proven earlier. Vreem had many faces, some of them were pleasant, some were necessary for a Jedi and some… well, he didn’t like to show them, but they were there. Perhaps things wouldn’t be so bad if Keilara were with him in upcoming events, or perhaps he’d condemned her by simply placing her by at his side. With Jahn the way he was now, nobody he knew would be safe would they? No, he told himself. He’d saved her, if she hadn’t overcome her inner turmoil and then be presented with the things to come, she could have fallen or lost her life. He would simply have to do everything within his power to make sure that Keilara and everyone else he was close were well protected. Because you’ve been doing a great job of that so far a corner of his mind cried out to him before he forcefully suppressed the self-doubt as best he could.

There was little doubt that horrors were soon to plague the galaxy and every member of the Jedi Order, Vreem would have to prepare Keilara not only for her trials, but the things beyond that as well. He’d have to try and do Master Oona justice. “Well, I think it’s time now Keilara, time for you to open the lock and build your own lightsaber. If you would like to go and collect the pieces then I will wait here for you. I think the fountains will help sooth your mind during the task you are about to uptake.” He finished with a friendly grin. It had been a while since he had last instructed someone on how to make a lightsaber, but he had faith in Keilara’s ability.

[Keilara]

Keilara let out the breath she hadn’t known she was holding when Master Took smiled at her. A small smile answered his chuckle as she listened to him continue. What he said made sense with the little exposure she’d had to him. He had yet to beat her over the head with rules, though he had already shown he had a firm guiding hand which she appreciated. She held her breath once again when he paused and let it out in a soft giggle.

“You can hope Master...oops”

She quickly shut her mouth and let him continue. Watching his face was a constant study in emotion. He hid many things well, but with the help of the Force she caught wisps of concern that he hid well behind light words and looks.

It took a moment of regaining her own control as he asked her to go and gather Master Oona’s lightsaber. On the one hand her heart felt so much lighter that she was quite excited to get started, but a moment later she had to battle back down the dread she had been experiencing for so long it had become second nature.

What did we just decide... Calm... be at peace... be calm

After taking a moment, she stood and excused herself, swiftly making her way down the halls to her quarters. Stepping into the room, she knelt by her bed and opened a small chest. Reaching in with shaking hands, she breathed a sigh of relief as she pulled Master Oona’s lightsaber out into the room. Standing, she tucked it close to her chest and stepped back out the door. She refused to allow any thoughts to form in her mind other than that she had been told to return to where Master Took was.

As she stepped back into the Room of A Thousand Fountains she felt peace return fully once again. He had been right. Everything about this room helped to calm her.

I can do this. I can complete the tasks set before me. And I can complete them with honor. I have undergone nothing more challenging than anyone who has gone before me. I will succeed.

She made her way back to where Master Took was waiting and sat back down in her chair setting the lightsaber on her knees. Keilara was very unsure how to proceed, her heart was torn in so many directions. She looked at him, hoping none of her confusion showed on her face, and waited a moment before speaking

"I never really enjoyed training with lightsabers unless Master Oona used hers. Training blades are either blue or green, but hers is a deep vibrant violet. I remember being little and knowing better than to touch the blade of a lightsaber but being so tempted and stretching out my fingers to touch it anyway."

The ghost of a smile danced on her lips as she remembered

"I got my first real lecture that day, as though she were my mother and not my master.

[Vreem Took]

He bowed his head as Keilara excused herself and he soon heard the shaking of leaves and foliage as she went to collect Master Oona’s lightsaber. As the sound began to fade his eyes came to focus on the two lightsabers which lay in front of him. In particular his eyes fell upon the lightsaber of his master Kel Yuul. He had looked like such a great man when he had taken Vreem for training at the age of ten. He never got to the point where he would have to worry and fret about impressing a master in order to avoid turning from the path of the Jedi Knight. He had seemed so kind and compassionate his words were soft and held a lot for the young boy to learn. His master was easy to trust.

But then it had all proven to be little more than trickery when the man Vreem though would protect him threw his own padawan before Grahn, Kel’s own master, and follower of the dark arts. All that time together had just led up to that swift betrayal and it led them to fight. When the Jedi finally arrived years later in search of them, Vreem had come to realise the truth after all the torment and lies. That was why he took up arms against Kel when his once loved master was about to kill one of Vreem’s rescuers. He can still remember the fight now. As he closed his eyes the images seemed to flash through his head and even burned, but he kept watching. He could remember the sweat as it seeped into his eyes and over the burns and cuts which covered his body. Even now as a Jedi Master on the High Council, Vreem couldn’t recall a fight which had pushed him as far as that, forced so much out of him.

Now he held his Master’s lightsaber and gazed over it with near-dead eyes. It was cold; Vreem’s hand ran over the metal easily, it was so smooth. He could remember the blade, it was silver. He had been shocked the first time he saw it or any lightsaber of that colour, its resonance was so pure that he could almost feel it washing over him. Ever since he’d acquired it, taking it from Kel’s body, he had not ignited it. Even now there was a part of him deep down that fear the blade, the memory and heartache within it. How hypocritical he was, telling Keilara to overcome it all when in truth he was still stuck in the past, never fully overcoming the things that had happened to him. Quite the failure, like Grahn had always said.

Keilara, she was back. Vreem could hear the rustle getting louder and the sound of footsteps began to get louder. He put the lightsaber back down and took a few moments to compose himself, to do what the Jedi had taught him and empty his mind. When she stood before him he was a new man, the same in her eyes but different in his own. “Welcome back” he said kindly.

He waited for her to sit down and as she did she began to speak. He watched and listened, mindful of her words and the Force around them. “There’s nothing wrong with the colour green you know.” He stated with a humoured sense of defensiveness. He had never been fond of the yellow that was typically attributed to the path of the Sentinel that he had walked; the green had always kept his eyes mesmerised. But there were those, as his thoughts drifted again to Kel’s lightsaber, who preferred more of a unique shade to their lightsabers.

“Yes, often we are able to connect with the crystals we use in our lightsabers. It can symbolise how in tune with them we are and how easily the Force will flow between the user and the crystal. It sounds as though you were drawn to that crystal before you were truly aware of it.” He continued on. “The bond between master and apprentice forms in many ways. With my apprentice it felt very much like we were brothers, he the younger and I the older. Of course this can manifest in a number of different ways although at times we have to remember to try and be mindful of that connection, it could be our failing.” He rounded off the little speech with a snippet of wisdom.

“Now, I’m unaware of how much you know about the process of constructing a lightsaber, I’m assuming you have at least studied the basics?” He would have thought that by this age he wouldn’t have to start from the very beginning. But if she already had her components then it was likely all he would need to would be to guide her into the meditative state so that she would be able to work on it.

[Keilara]

“Of course there isn’t...nothing wrong with that yellow blade they stick sentinels with either,” she replied a teasing smile on her face. “Except that I’m not fond of it.”

It was strange, Kielara noticed, how often she felt like smiling around him. She had been so long without a kind hand to guide her that she had begun to feel like the little girl who had been cast off by her parents and sent to Coruscant all those years ago. Her return to the temple after Master Oona’s death had been as distasteful as the first step off the transport that had delivered her to this place.

She could remember how in both cases the desire to hide in corners away from everything was overwhelming. The lectures that came when she would cry from missing her mother... and again from missing her Master. It frightened her how quickly those old angers and resentments had been returning over the few months she had been back and alone at the temple; magnified by her perceived fault and failure in Master Oona’s death.

Her attention was brought back to Master Took as he started speaking. He seemed a bit preoccupied. Keilara had a feeling that the empathy she had been trained to rely on in mediation would be critical in dealing with her new master. He hid his emotions well. For some reason this particular trial seemed as though it was going to be difficult for them both, and for a moment she wondered how they would fair through the others. Her fingers idly ran along the hilt of Master Oona’s lightsaber as she listened, nodding in agreement.

His words certainly hit home. The bond she had formed had nearly led to her downfall even here among the Jedi. But it was such a fine line. To be completely self-reliant meant you didn't have anyone to hold you accountable, while at the same time, allowing someone that level of trust opened you to the hurts of betrayal and abandonment.

For a moment the old resentments flared before she clamped down on them again. No one was perfect and those who tried to say they were allowed their pride too great a foothold. Once again she was shocked at how easy it was to see Master Took in a different light.

She was so wrapped up in her own thoughts, the peacefulness of the room, and Master Tooks’ voice that it took her a moment to realize he had asked her a question.

Eck... lightsaber building and what I know of it

She sighed and her shoulders slumped as a blush crept up into her cheeks.

“I have most of the basic components... emitter shroud, power cell, activation stud, definitely an emitter shroud...” A light giggle crept into her voice. “I know myself well enough to know I’d get my fingers in the way... insulator... I have a checklist with my supplies, but I know I was just missing a hilt and a crystal.”

Here her eyes fell to the lightsaber in her lap.

“And both I have here with this. The problem is that all I know of construction is what I’ve managed to over-hear, which isn’t much at all.” She thought a moment. “No, that’s not entirely true. Master Oona and I had a few conversations about the meditation process during construction. She emphasized how important it was to keep my mind clear... How the emotions I felt as I built it would affect how I viewed it. It’s a tendency I’ve always had... to associate things with what I was thinking or feeling at that moment. A dangerous tendency that I try to keep under control.”

[Vreem Took]

(OOC: I'm so sorry for my absence, exams too more out of me than I thought they would, but my lessons are pretty much wrapped up now, so I should be here for good, summer activities pending)

Vreem was glad, it seemed Keilara was making progress; she was able to joke along with him, a trait that was commonly lost with many in the Order. Of course, those were never really the most interesting of members. Vreem washed away all of his accumulating negative thoughts with a calming wave.

For a moment he contemplated his own lightsaber; the gleaming hilt still maintained the prominent glare that it had upon his construction of the blade from all those years ago. True, he had been required to perform some acts of maintenance upon it but this was usually just to make sure that it was clean and nothing had started to gum up the works, if it failed on him unexpectedly then he could very well end up dead. Then again, that could just be saying something about the missions he took on, or the way he went about them. But nevertheless, the blade had served him well throughout all those years.

He reverted his focus to Keilara, to the vast room they currently hid within and the task that was currently at hand. If Master Oona had instructed Keilara on what was needed for a lightsaber he could only assume that the basic, necessary functions had also been taught, otherwise they would have to research and save the construction for another time. But it would seem unwise to tell a padawan what was needed for a lightsaber, but not how it functioned and the necessary functions required. Master Oona had not been without wisdom and so he came to the conclusion that Keilara would know.

The Jedi Master nodded at her words before expanding upon them slightly. “The construction of your lightsaber is dependant upon your knowledge and your own connection with the Force. That is why the mediation process is highly important; it brings out each Jedi’s uniqueness. If you were to lay out the exact same equipment in front of ten Jedi, the result would be ten completely different lightsabers. We all have our own strengths, our own weaknesses and our personal preferences when it comes to the use of a lightsaber, each of these things affect its construction.” It was also likely, although he didn’t care to note it, that unless a Jedi intentionally intended to do so, the result of a lightsaber’s construction would be different every time a Jedi tried it, if Vreem were to make a second or a third lightsaber, they would not look the same as his first unless he wanted them to. However, this fact held little importance at the moment and may only have served to add unnecessary baggage to the padawan’s thoughts. Right now she needed a clear mind.

“Make sure to set out the pieces before you and then close your eyes.” He said slowly and deliberately as his voiced became calmer for the instructions he was to give. With his legs folded and his own eyes closed Vreem was prepared to enter meditation with her. He would guide her into the state, as if holding her hand throughout the process and then slowly withdraw until she was working alone. Saber construction often took a long time, some were known to stay in the trance for months, although these were only extreme cases, even still it would take a long time and more than likely this would be the first time of many she would likely spend upon the blade. However, there was always the option to work persistently and try to complete the blade’s construction in a number of days instead; it all came down to preference.

After taking a few deep breaths, Vreem began. “Listen to my voice, Keilara. Listen not with your ears, but open your mind, hear me through the Force, let it tell you what I am saying. Breathe deep, and slow. Deep and slow. Let you mind expand beyond your body, feel the room around you. Listen to the gentle rustle of the foliage, the soothing flow of water as it cascades down the fountain. Listen to your breath, to mine, as we breathe deep, and slow. Venture further, listen for the footsteps of your fellow Jedi as they move through the temple. Hear them come and go through the great hall, emissaries of the Force, beacons of its will, hear them, feel them. Listen to the classes, as Master Beleran lectures a class one the subtleties of the Force. Listen to the training chambers, where blaster fire ricochets off of the training sabers or stings those who are not able to feel as well as you. See as yet another Jedi Master is beaten by Master Rhissai’s superb hand-to-hand skill, as Master Soka trains alone, moving swiftly, and cutting through the air intently. Feel all of these things, my Padawan, and more, feel all the Jedi in this temple, feel them all and expand further. Coruscant, Capital of the Republic, listen the sounds, feel the millions of people who trail through its skies and across the ground, moving through their lives, forever connected to the Force. Listen to the squabbling senators in sessions, feel them, their concern, their loathing and their determination.”

Vreem paused for a few moments, letting Keilara revel in this moment before speaking again. “Feel these things Keilara; they are all connected to the Force and to you. They are not you, but they are a part of you, a part of life, a part of the Force. As you feel them, feel the components before you, the cold metal, the clear violet crystal. Let the Force guide you now, work with the Force to build your lightsaber. Don’t move too swiftly, hold your mind steady, think always of your connection to the Force, think of the water, of the Jedi, of the people, and construct your lightsaber, Keilara.” He went silent at last, remaining in his state of meditation, it was something he had come to enjoy as of late, too many Jedi would often choose training over meditation, but he enjoyed both. As Vreem remained connected to Keilara he observed her movements whilst slowly retreating, she would become more and more independent until he was no longer part of this construction, only part of the Force.

[Keilara]

Keilara listened with absolute attention to his instructions. She couldn’t stand the thought of messing this up. It wasn’t so much a pride issue, she didn’t have much in the way of pride at the moment, but that is why it was so critical. Though she had chosen her path and determined to follow it, every success helped and this was a big obstacle to over come. And she knew, basically what she had to do. But so much had been missed or simply glossed over. Master Oona had thought they would have more time... Kei’s insecurities began to choke her and she closed her eyes willing herself back to peacefulness.

She carefully set out her components, each one in the order it would be used and let her eyes softly fall closed. For a moment, as she listened to his voice soften, she wondered if maybe he weren’t the better teacher to have guide her through this. She relaxed into the force, allowing his voice to melt into its whisper. She felt the gentle hum of the leaves as the brushed the water. Each stray drop of water created ripples that spread out in her mind touching each of the things he mentioned, Master Rhiss soothingly touched her as Kei’s searching brushed past. Another droplet of water pushed the ripples father, and suddenly she was sensing out past the temple, all the feelings, the highs and lows murmuring in the force as Master Vreem’s voice continued to guide her along.

She could no more distinguish his voice from the murmur of every thing else in the force, but she felt it as if it were a life-line keeping her from being swept away. Slowly, rising from deep within her, she began to hum a matching melody. She no more heard the song than she did Master Took’s voice, it was simply a compliment to the force as she heard it surrounding her.

She didn’t notice as he slipped away, nor did she notice as her song instead became the line grounding her in the force. She simply existed. Doing what felt right. This piece moved here, that piece slipped there. One piece stuck a bit and required a little persuasion. And then it was time to convince them to join together. Slowly, so very slowly, she convinced each little piece that it wanted to move next to the piece next to it. To join and become one unit.

When her song finally died out and her eyes opened hours later, she was surprised to find the section of her hilt containing the power cell, field conductor, vortex ring, and insulator connected and ready to be coaxed into the hilt. She was also surprised to find out she’d broken into a bit of a sweat and was exhausted. With shaking hands she set the completed section on the table in front of her and wiped a hand across her forehead.