The Council Chamber

[Mara]

[... from Learning the Way of the Rancor]


((Hope I'm not interrupting... this is just so Xierra can be officially told to take on her padawan... Xao's character Rakna Brux, a 10-year-old Weequay))

Xierra wasn't sure why she was waiting outside the Council Chambers now. She and the rest of her team had already briefed the masters about their mission of rescuing Tas Bey from Templar Forge. They had even provided a bit of extra intelligence on the multifaceted man. The Falleen had thought they were satisfied with all the information given. But now, just a day after returning and giving their briefing, the young Guardian Knight was back here again. This time, without the rest of her team.

Her eyes briefly perked up in light of an idea that passed through her mind. Perhaps she was being assigned to a new mission, hopefully one that involved more than just rescuing a Jedi and his padawan. Yes, the mission on Metellos had been tough, and the four Jedi had had their share of trouble, but Xierra was itching for something more... more, well, complicated, she supposed. But she knew it was up to the Council's greater wisdom to decide her future.

So it was with this state of mind, hoping to be given another mission parameter, that she had as she was finally asked to enter the room, quickly walking to the center of the ring of Masters in the Council. She took a few calming breaths and smoothed down her Jedi robes and cloak before folding her hands in front of her, her sleeves billowing a bit over her hands. Her skin remained neutral, in its greenish gray state. No need for her to given off pheromones now or show that she was nervous in the company of these masters of the Order. Xierra stood there in silence, waiting to hear the reason of her coming today.

[Jace]

(I am just going to switch around the times to make Xierra arrive first for convenience sake)

The Jedi slowly opened his eyes as he felt a new but familiar presence enter the council chambers. Xierra, he had once traveled to Ilum with the young Falleen for the creation of her lightsaber. He had even cut her padawan braid when she was knighted. Today she would be taking a new and large step in her life as a Jedi. It was sooner than most Knights, but it wasn't unheard of.

"Knight Xierra, it is our understanding that you wish to take Rakna Brux, as your padawan learner. Though you have only recently been knighted, your actions in your latest assignment have proven your ability to handle responsibility. The Council agrees that you shall take Rakna Brux as your padawan, May the Force be with you both."

Jace gave the young knight a reassuring smile before dismissing her and moving on to the day's next task. Most of Jace's day had been quite standard until the entrance of this Nagai. He studied the Nagai, just as the other members of the Council did. Jace was sure he was not going to like whatever message this person brought. He looked at the message and was somewhat reassured that his instincts were still on the money.

To whom it may concern,

As of late, the Galaxy has found itself in the grip of chaos, facing numerous threats, and lacking proper funds and resources for the means of proper defense. Thus, responsibility fell to the Jedi, with whom out the Republic would crumble to its demise both horribly and chaotically. Of course, the reaction is in the eye of the beholder...

The Jedi, from first glance, are kind, caring and a powerful force in the Galaxy. But after seeing what they have done, witnessing their manipulative power, and watching helplessly as they aid criminals in the act, one would they truly are simply a gathering on menaces.

I have written this letter in all fairness for you to tell you that myself, and my army have gathered and are ready for whatever you will throw at us. We have hostages- both Jedi, high-up officials, even civilians- that have seemed to fallen off the face of the Galaxy, but indeed are alive and in great danger. Their screams are for help, yet no one comes, and you supposedly call yourself protectors.

We have money, resources and weapons, all of which you seem to lack in one form of anothers. We have bombs and mines, ready to kill the innocent and guilty if you do not act soon.

Best of all, we have anger and emotion which we are not afraid to use!

And what can you do? Let me explain-
NOTHING!!!!

Sincerely,
Your Greatest Fears

The Grandmaster read the letter twice over, making sure he had soaked in every detail. He then glanced back up at the Nagai, options running through his head. Jace was still unsure whether to take this threat seriously or not. The Jedi Order received more threats than holonet stars and politicians combined. He continued to study the Nagai, this time through the Force.

"You may go" he stated simply

He watched as the Nagai left the room, the council's eyes were on him. It may have been easier to break into her mind right there, but that was also immoral. This is what made the Jedi different from those of the darkside. Though Jace was not about to let this drop, as he quickly called in another Jedi Knight to the council chambers.

"Follow her"

The Jedi's orders were clear, he needn't say anymore. The Knight who was skilled in concealment would follow the Nagai and report her movements to the council. Hopefully they could find out if this was a credible threat or not. The Jedi Master just hoped it was another hollow threat, they had enough problems as it is.

[Kella]

Fear is a devilish thing. Fickle and untrustworthy. It is persistent, it is subtle. Fear is a shadow, fear is a serpent. It mends only so it can destroy again, it motivates only so it can feed itself. It is a parasite, leeching off the very soul of those it preys on.

And as Sheera looked into the eyes of Jace, Jedi master, she felt fear. Fear of discovery, yes. But this was not her only fear. It was as if something about the Jedi compelled her inner demons to come rearing out, angry and riled, lusting to lash out at that serene Jedi. For a short, simple moment, Sheera's soul was bared, yet only to herself. Fear of abandonment, fear of inadequacy, fear of love, fear of loss. The chilled calm was a facade, the burning anger was a mask, hiding the fear that ate at her from within.

Sheera's soul shuddered from the whiplash as Jace's gaze released her, and his eyes turned instead onto the letter. That nagging sense of self-doubt which Sheera tried so hard to avoid persistently returned, though she hid it again beneath her death-cold mask.

"You may go," the master said. Sheera forced herself to find satisfaction in the fact that she'd just delivered a malevolent threat to the Republic. It would be amusing to see how they handled this. The sadistic thoughts were naught more than a coping mechanism, though Sheera wouldn't-- couldn't recognize it as such. The hate hid the fear, made her feel stronger, the anger gave her control. But all these did were catch and cage her demons; the problem was not resolved. Not in the least...

Sheera bowed her head ever so slightly, lips pressed into a tight semi-smile as she silently glided from the room. She could feel eyes upon her, feel a strange glimpse, something foreign skirting at the fringes of her mind. Curse the Jedi, curse them all.

And then Sheera was swallowed by the halls of the Jedi Temple once more.

((Continued here. ))

[Squee]

“What do you mean the council wishes to see me?”

“They’ve sent their summons and they request on seeing you.”

Rayn’s light brown eyebrows rested heavy over her eyes as she regarded her protocol droid, as if she were seeing CJ for the first time in a scrap pile. Or simply seeming as a child annoyed and aggravated with her mother. Her jaw rolled forward and she gritted and released her teeth several times as the gaze in her eyes wandered to a distant world for a few seconds.

“Um… I’m in the middle of a class. And you’re the one who interrupted it. How many times have I told you not to do that?”

“Wouldn’t the council be a bit more important than your younglings, Mistress Rayn?” CJ said in reply, the lights she had for eyes tilting slightly with her metal head as she gazed down at the small Jedi Master.

“Not necessarily,” Rayn wanted to say back to the droid. She lowered her chin, looking away from CJ once again. She was annoyed at her protocol droid for interrupting her class, making Rayn pause in her teaching and dismiss herself. Well it really wasn’t her class. Someone had asked her to come share her experience and knowledge with the class, and help them to meditate. She turned to look back across her shoulder, through the door that held the youngling class, every one of the different faces and species being about ten years of age. They were being restless again, whispering with one another, physically or attempting at it mentally. Rayn could sense both and bear witness to one as a twi’lek boy leaned over to hiss something to a zabrak male, and both leaned away from each other with smirks on their face and snickers on their breath. They knew they shouldn’t be talking to one another. Blast it. Don’t children ever listen?

That was a stupid question.

“I’ll leave as soon as Master Tentur returns at lunch time. Until then, not a peep from you if you please, CJ.”

“Yes, of course.”

---

Rayn didn’t relax much come lunch time. The Jedi teacher had returned at that time and dismissed his class to enjoy a good meal. Rayn was skipping hers to respond to the council. Why did the council wish to see her? She doubted seriously they were calling her in to have tea and crackers.

Had they a mission for her? That seemed likely, but Rayn was really praying this wasn’t the case. She never was assigned to too many missions and that didn’t bother her too much. There were plenty of other ways to be a Jedi than running around the galaxy to shine your robes and rescue people from evil or whatever did happen on missions. She’d been on far too few to ever grasp a feel for what really went down under. And something about not being one to go down under probably had effect on that knowledge as well. She was background music; influencing the events around her subtly and it came unconsciously to most participants of her missions.

She couldn’t think much else. Was there something wrong with the teaching? Though she combed through her mind she couldn’t root up a problem. But then, she may not believe them problems when another says there’s an issue.

Councils simply made the Jedi Master nervous. Hardly any good news came out from them. Occasionally a happy “yes” was warranted, and then there were the knighting ceremonies. For the most part, since she became a Jedi Master, she’d heard the dreading telling that she was being sent away from the Temple or there was a thing they believed she could fix as long as it was brought to her attention.

She was really hoping they wouldn’t send her to some random planet. Homesickness came strongly to Rayn. All her life, this was her home. If she went off planet, the only home that was with her was what she carried and Hiccup. And Hiccup was generally just there for her personal protection and benefit.

“CJ, you’ll be remaining outside.”

“Of course,” CJ answered just before the doors slid open to allow Rayn forward to the council. “And Rayn?”

“Hm?”

“Do try to relax.”

Rayn offered a light huff of air as she pressured the Force around her body for a moment, smoothing out any accumulated wrinkles on her robes as she strode into the surrounding semi-circle of the Council members. As she paused in the center, Rayn inclined slightly, regarding them, “Masters…”


((OHMAHGAWD, JACE, now I know why you were asking me questions last night. There's like a WHOLE other page to this post. No wonder you were confused. >.< Maybe if you had said it seemed incomplete (because I'm so thorough) I might've understood you more. But, you know my state last night and I've spent the last twenty minutes trying to get this computer to boot up so I can retrieve my post and finish this for you. I'm sorry if it messes everything up for you, which I hope it won't because I haven't looked at your post. I'm so embarrassed. >.<

PS, the no period at the end should have been a clue. I hate the copy and paste on this computer.))

[Jace]

Today was a day different from most others, though the venue remained the same. Recently elected Grandmaster, Jace Beleren, sat motionless in deep meditation. It was just past midday, a time in which the Council tended to take a short break. The early part of the day was set mainly for dealing with various needs of the Republic. The later half of the day was more focused on internal issues. These issues ranged from padawan requests to briefings on the progress of current missions. The people who made these decisions alongside him were some of the most powerful and brilliant Jedi in the Order.

It was on this day that Jace hoped that another would join their ranks. Positions on the Council were fluid, some Jedi remained until they died others until they retired. The loss of one of their long term members had left a position open in the Council. The looming darkness which was slowly growing in the galaxy required the Jedi to be at their full strength. Thus they needed a full leading council, they needed masters who would not only bring wisdom and power but also ideas. The Council had shifted over many candidates in the last week and finally arrived at a consensus.

The Jedi opened his eyes as that very candidate entered the council chambers. She was quite interesting as far as Jedi went, and that was aside from her lack of arms. Jedi Master Rayn Gera reminded Jace much of the quirky grandmaster Eris. Jace valued such views in a Jedi for it was something that he could never achieve. Surrounding oneself with like minded people will only blind you to all other perspectives. The council has always recognized this truth, and so in time had Jace.

"With all of us may the Force be, and may the peace of this temple be ours, a place open to thought and speech, a realm of mutual respect, and a haven of shared noble purpose. Let us take these seats together, with no one above the others. May we work together, free from the restraints of ego and jealousy, at this gathering and all others to come." Stated Jace suddenly in a low but clear voice.

It was the ancient mantra of the Jedi High Council, the philosophy from which they functioned. The Jedi Master felt it was what set them apart from governments and bureaucracy. These equals sought to bring their minds together for the betterment of the galaxy. They did not seek to gain power or make money as so many corrupt politicians did. No, these people before him were people of honor and integrity.

"Jedi Master Rayn Gera, think upon the words just spoken. They are the sacred code of that which this Council functions. A code which this Council wishes you to embrace. Master Gera, we offer a seat upon the Jedi High Council, will you accept?"

A pang of nostalgia struck Jace, as he remembered that only a short while ago he was asked almost the very same thing. He remembered how the sudden weight of the honor bestowed upon almost brought him to his knees. The Jedi wondered if every council member had felt the same way, he doubted it. Though he was quite interested to see how this current candidate would react.

[Mara]

((Ooh, guess she needs to leave now, haha.
Oh, and she didn't choose Rakna; the Council was supposed to assign him to Xierra... that's what we talked about. ))



Xierra stood there in the middle of the chambers, listening as the new Grandmaster spoke to her of her new padawan. Padawan? The Falleen started for a nanosecond but quickly regained her composure, glad that her skin hadn't had a chance to change colors. That would have surely let her emotions be known not only to Master Beleren but to the other masters in the room. She took a calming breath, drawing on the Force lightly as well.

She was confused; she hadn't asked to take on this youngling. Xierra agreed in his evaluation of her performance on the mission to Metellos, but she didn't think that her completion of said mission warranted giving her a padawan this soon. She barely knew how to act as a Knight, despite the mission she was just on.

But Xierra took in the assignment quietly, wondering perhaps if Master Beleren had gotten confused. She was sure the Council had a lot on its mind. Either way, it seemed she would be a master to this... Rakna Brux. Smiling back at the Master in return, she bowed shallowly and departed the chambers. It was time to find her padawan.


[to Expecting the Unexpected...]

[Squee]

Those few seconds of silence from the moment Rayn had regarded them to when the Grand Master spoke felt like several, long minutes. Though her nerves rocked on seesaws under her skin and her heart was a hammer hitting an anvil, the expression she maintained was one of neutrality. Hopefully she could keep it that way. The back of her neck was moist, practically the only sign that showed her discomfort standing before them. So many Jedi got nervous before the council, some more than others. Rayn was more than others. One would believe all the check-ups by the council when she young would have prepared her fully for an assembly before them. No. When she was younger, Rayn had always feared of having to be kicked out because she had always been behind. She had wondered to almost worry if the council would ever decide she wasn’t fit to be a Jedi. One of the happiest days of her life was when a Jedi Knight had rose to accept her as a padawan. And she had known for certain there was some kind of hope for an armless girl to be a Jedi. There had always been a hope, she realized after she had become knighted, and she had simply not seen it before.

But the sentient beings of the council had melted and been rebuilt several times with new members. These weren’t the same members that had stared upon that armless four year old, hearing the story on how she had refused cybernetics. Or the time she had shoved her caretaker droid(s) into a pool of water. Or even when she had become a Padawan. They were not those members. They were the next generation. At least she didn’t have to fear for her future to be snatched like the rug yanked from under her feet. It was a matter of what they wanted to do with her future.

"With all of us may the Force be, and may the peace of this temple be ours, a place open to thought and speech, a realm of mutual respect, and a haven of shared noble purpose. Let us take these seats together, with no one above the others. May we work together, free from the restraints of ego and jealousy, at this gathering and all others to come."

Rayn refused to tilt her head as a confused pet would. She blinked once, her eyebrows twitching toward the center slightly, and finally she let on rise. She didn’t get it, what was it? Rayn cycled the words to herself, repeating them within her head just before the Grand Master continued:

"Jedi Master Rayn Gera, think upon the words just spoken. They are the sacred code of that which this Council functions. A code which this Council wishes you to embrace. Master Gera, we offer a seat upon the Jedi High Council, will you accept?"

An unknown force swept over her as those words left his mouth. Her lungs refused to expand but, quite frankly, she wasn’t conscious on whether or not she was actually breathing. Her face was alit in surprise, and Rayn couldn’t help but let her jaw hang open for a few seconds. When it closed, it closed with an audible click; her teeth meeting together. She wished for that moment she had hands, so she could cover her mouth with them. Her knees felt weak and Rayn involuntarily, and near clumsily, stepped back with her left foot, trying to brace herself. She didn’t want to fall. No, no, falling wouldn’t be good. Rayn wasn’t quite certain that will power was all that strong despite her best wishes that it was. Her eyes peeled off Jace, the gaze hitting the promptly hitting the floor. All through, she was silent, too many thoughts clamoring her already overwhelmed mind.

By the Force, she was weak. She was shocked. Milliseconds passed by as minutes, and one minute felt like ten as her thoughts circled in and circled out. Rayn was making quick judgments and decisions for each thought. Thoughts about the younglings she taught. Thoughts about missions. Thoughts about decisions. Thoughts about what honor it was. And thoughts on the sheer joy she also felt electrifying her body down to her toes.

“I-I-I… I… I… I…” the pronoun was swift exiting her mouth. Rayn shut herself up again, trying to gain the faintest control of her voice box. Stuttering! Of all things to do! The small Jedi finally drew in her first breath, filling her lungs to as much as they would take in and then some. Her chin lifted up, sea-green eyes still hinting her utter shock as she looked left at those members and then right to the ones on the opposite side. It was back on Master Beleren when she was done. She tried standing straight, but couldn’t. For the moment when her knee went weak, it appeared she would fall for sure. Her balance saved her, and the foot braced her again. “I would be… extremely honored.” That was all she could get out, her throat was refusing to open again.

[Iota]

Gaius paced back and forth, in deep thought., his potential padawan, carlando standing near by looking quite nervous, for he spent most of his time in the archives. the halls of the jedi temple was almost eerily quiet, a handful of jedi had vacated for the war effort, the younglings in class and various other activities. After a moment of thought, Gaius looked to Carlando, he nodded slightly before entering the chambers of the high council, a room he had not stepped foot in since he retired from the high council himself.

As he made his way to the centre of the room in a regal fashion, he nodded to the council as a sign of respect "Friends, Councilman and fellow masters... as you can see, i have returned from my self incarceration from the depths of space where i was excommunicatus.. my search to find myself in the force and myself has come to a conclusion... Now it is time for me to take my responsibilities as a tutor to the young ones.." Gaius took a moment to adjust his tunic, a small crook in his right eyebrow emerged.

"the hutt youngling, known as Carlando.. one day he will perhaps be the librarian in the archives.. but he needs to learn the ways of the force and it's teachings before he takes up such a grand position.. i wish for him, to be my new padawan." Gaius stood up straight, his skin colour going a slight darker green colour than normal. "Of course, high councilman, your decision is final and your logic, sound." Gaius gave a slight nod as he waited for the councils decision.

[Iota]

{can ignore the post above as that never went anywhere for various reasons}

As Gaius left the training room en route to the Council Chambers, he could sense that the two younglings had fallen in line behind him, he had a strong sense that they would, after all, it is everyday that a Jedi Master would go out of his way, considering all the recent events and the evident time of uncertainty that had shrowded the force in recent times. The Jedi Master looked back at the two as they approached the Chambers and spoke softly and sternly at the same time.

"You are about to enter the Council Chambers of the jedi Order, here with in holds the most wise and experienced Masters the Order has to offer.. Follow me and stay close.. your destiny awaits" He nodded as he smiled softly before turning back towards the Chamber doors and making his way through.

it was quiet, it was always quiet in this room, he remembers the months he would sit in his chair meditating and greeting those who wished to seek an audience with the council. Gius made his way to the centre of the room with the two younglings behind him on his left and on his right. The Jedi master bowed his head with deep respect towards the council members.

"Good day fellow Masters, i hope you have kept well.." common courtesy would often dictate that when greeting some one you should also ask how they were, it must have been a human trait, Gaaius would rationlise. "I have been on tython, aswell you know, for longer than i could remember, aiding the rebuilding and over seeing the progress of our ancestral home.. anyway, this is not the reason why i have returned" The jedi Master nodded softly as he waved his hand in a regal manner towards the two younglings.

"I come here today to ask for the council's blessing to take these two, youngling joran and youngling Dalaya.. as my Padawans.." Gaius paused for a moment whilst he looked to the younglings then back to the Council "they both have a strong connection to the force in their own seperate ways and i would relish the opportunity to lead them to perhaaps one day becoming Jedi and to be Bastions of peace for the Republic and for our Order." Gaius stood with his hands behind his bck as he finished, he looked to each of the council members in silence as he waited for a reply.

[itazna]

Joran rushed to follow his so-to-be master out of the training chamber. Falling into step a respectful distance from the Master Fal'kirk's right elbow, he attempted to calm his breathing and his heart that was currently pounding in his ears.

"You are about to enter the Council Chambers of the jedi Order, here within holds the most wise and experienced Masters the Order has to offer.. Follow me and stay close.. your destiny awaits."

Gulping just a bit at that the thought of being in the same room, and thus, under scrutiny of the greatest Jedi in the entire temple, Joran managed a small smile so as to seem more at ease. He stepped through the doors and joined Master Fal'kirk in giving a deep bow, then stood quietly as the senior Jedi addressed the council.

Joran kept his eyes lowered respectfully and desperately tried not to fidget. He raised his head to meet the master's gaze when he announced he'd be taking Dalaya and himself as padawans, then lowered it once more. He smiled to himself a bit as he was mentioned to have a strong connection to the Force and hopefully be Jedi one day. It took quite an effort to not have a full-blown panic attack while waiting for the members of the Council to make their reply.

[Cain]

((OOC: My apologies for the long wait))

On his new seat in the Jedi Council Chambers, Master Si Quan sat enjoying the peaceful silence around him. Apart from the Library and the Temple Courtyard, Si now found that the Jedi Council Chambers also offered an environment conducive to reflection and meditation. Just what he needed these days. Si liked to sit in on the Council in the mornings when the first rays of starlight would wash over the Temple spires and few of the other Masters were present.

Somewhere between the division in the Jedi Order of the Blades from those who called for peace, the recent disappearance of Master Beleren, and the prevalence of the Sith was Si Quan, his thoughts carefully traversing each subject as he sat in quiet contemplation. Answers never came easy, but as always Si left it to the Force to guide him, and now the Force guided Master Quan's attention to those outside of the Council Chamber's entrance. A moment after becoming aware of their presence, the Falleen Jedi Master entered, flanked by a pair of Younglings.

"Good day fellow Masters, i hope you have kept well.. I have been on tython, aswell you know, for longer than i could remember, aiding the rebuilding and over seeing the progress of our ancestral home.. anyway, this is not the reason why i have returned.

"I come here today to ask for the council's blessing to take these two, youngling joran and youngling Dalaya.. as my Padawans.. they both have a strong connection to the force in their own seperate ways and i would relish the opportunity to lead them to perhaaps one day becoming Jedi and to be Bastions of peace for the Republic and for our Order."

Si sat back and listened as Master Fal'kirk stated his case. The Falleen had been a member of the Council himself until recently, and there was little doubt that he could handle the burden of two Padawan learners. Master Quan's attention was less focused on the Falleen in this case as it was on his two would-be apprentices. The Miraluka girl and Human boy stood quietly as Gaius delivered his recommendation, and Si carefully observed them both.

The Younglings tried their best not to fidget, and Si could sense a great deal of anxiety from the boy. It was nothing unusual. Teaching Younglings as he had for so long, Si came to expect as much from them. Children often wore their emotions on their sleeves, it was a kind of innocent honesty that was lost all too quickly as young Jedi grew old. Even after all these years, seeing it still never failed to brighten Si's day.

Si smiled softly, projecting calm, "They seem capable," he responded finally, his attention still with the children, "It is a great responsibility to take on any one learner, let alone two. That being said, I can think of few Masters better prepared for such a responsibility than Master Fal'kirk. You're in good hands.

"The Council will grant your request," Si said, his eyes raising to meet Gaius' as he leaned back in his seat, "Younglings Sulu and Odia will be your Padawan learners. May the Force be with you all."

[Dutch]

{OoC: Any other Council Members welcome to jump in- Takes place at a different time}

It had only been weeks since Levin Caelum's appointment to the High Council. Yet already he had been given a most important task. With the war in full swing, the High Council was quite busy. And at this time, the only available High Councilor available on that day... was him. Lev stood at the far window from the door, mere inches from it as he gazed at his own reflection in the dimming windows. The sun was setting upon Coruscant, casting its fiery glow among the towers.

His green eyes would look down at the datapad held within his right hand. Sirius Kelrune, a most promising young member of the order. Deemed to be knighted by his master in agreement from the High Council. Twenty-two, close to the age in which Levin was knighted years and years ago... It was good to see Masters who were patient with their padawans. Not all were ready to be knighted younger than their early twenties, yet many rash and enthusiastic Jedi let it slip more and more.

Levin felt a familiar presence followed by one that was still being refined. It seemed Master Teer Ka and her padawan had arrived to the Tower. He waited motionlessly, his eyes still upon the fiery face of Coruscant until he sensed their arrival to the chambers. As the door slid open, Levin turned around and placed his hands behind his back, waiting for his appoitment to enter.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Master Teer Ka was not in her 'Shili clothes' she'd been wearing in preparation for taking up her post as Watchman of Shili. Instead, the stern Togruta woman was clad in her finest coffee-colored Jedi robes, with glistening dark brown boots on her feet. The bronze teeth on her headdress glistened, shimmering with cleanliness. Everything about her was resplendent for the third-most formal occasion she'd ever experienced, something she had done twice before.

The first was her Knighthood, the second was her elevation to Master, and the third was having a Padawan Knighted.

This was Sirius Kelrune's elevation, when he would have his braid severed and officially become a Jedi Knight, following in the footsteps of two of Teer Ka's previous Padawans. While the first had fallen and been killed, Master Ka knew in her heart that Sirius was destined for something greater. He was a success story for her. Loyal, dutiful, apt. A duelist, and a promising one.

Each of his Trials had been fully adequate in Teer's eyes. His skills had been forged with fire, and he had proven he was ready. The Council had agreed, and now all that remained was to actually complete the rite.

"Are you nervous?" Teer asked Sirius, her dark eyes glancing at him briefly before returning to the path ahead. She wasn't. This was an honoring experience, but not one that intimidated her. It was one of the rare occasions where a Jedi could be proud without shame, and she intended to do just that.

She could distinctly remember her own Knighting. There had been no braid to sever, but she'd had a row of beads hanging down from the back of her montrals, and she'd removed them and laid them down before the Council on Dantooine. It was genuinely hard to believe it had been 36 years since then. She'd grown much from the fiery young woman she'd been once. Now she was much more sedate, with a quiet fire that burned within.

Now she was stern, a woman governed by the rules, with her life devoted to the Jedi Order and its traditions. She had the feeling her Padawan would be the same, inspired and shaped by the Master who had guided his transition from Padawan to Knight.

All things considered, they had not spent long together. Yet neither would forget the other.

Teer came to a stop before the Council chambers and keyed open the door, gaining a clear view of exactly one High Councilor. It was Levin Caelum, the newest addition to the Council, and a man Teer knew in passing from visits to the medical wing for regular check-ups rather than from a propensity for injuries.

It was rather disappointing that on her Padawan's most special day only one Councilor was present. She felt a quick spike of indignation on his behalf before whispering into his ear.

"Don't be angry. It will be fine."

The Togruta woman stepped inside the Council Chamber and placed her palms together in a Togruta gesture, bowing her head slightly before raising it again and making eye contact.

"Councilor Caelum," She said deferentially.

[Ghostie]

Sirius walked side-by-side with Master Ka to the Council Chamber. He had his akul necklace around his neck, and he was wearing his old robes. Well, they would be old tomorrow. The first thing Sirius was determinded to do after his Knighting was get a new set.

Perhaps a set that is all brown? Maybe some darker colors?

Sirius thought of a nice brown set mainly because it would be similar to Master Ka's own set. The Master and Padawan hadn't been together long, just around a year. However, Sirius could honestly say she had made the most impact on him. Barren and Kellar were awesome in their training, but they just weren't Teer Ka. She had a special touch.

Sirius could honestly say he'd miss working with Master Ka everyday. It and been rough, but in the last year he had learned so much. And it was because of that Sirius was going to be a Jedi Shadow this time tomorrow.

Teer Ka whispered to him, asked if he was nervous. Sirius was, but not as much as he had been going into his Trials. The worst seemed to be over and done with. He was over the hill.

“A little, but the hardest part is over with, isn't it?”

Teer Ka keyed the door open to the Council Chambers to reveal one Councilor, a Master Sirius had noticed around the Medical Wing of the Temple before, when he had regular check-ups for his cybernetic arm. Though, the Padawan had to admit he didn't know the man's name.

Teer Ka leaned over to whisper again to not be angry. Angry about what, that one Councilor was here? That was all they needed, wasn't it? Sirius didn't see a problem, but Teer Ka obviously did. He gave her a quizical glance before copying her move, bowing before the Councilor.

[Dutch]

Levin returned the bows given to him, his eyes never leaving the duo though, and never blinking either. His boots rang gently as he stepped closer to the two. Lev's eyes would first go to Teer Ka, a wave of greeting in the Force sent to her, and then they would move to Sirius, and once more, a personal wave of the Force.

"I am High Councilor Levin Caelum, Padawan. It is a pleasure to meet you in person, Sirius Kelrune. We have watched your progress with interest for some time now. And Master Teer Ka, good to see Shili has been good to you."

His eyes would bore into Sirius' own. Never blinking, never breaking contact. For a few seconds the man just watched, and waited to see what the younger man would do. With a slight tendril of the Force, Levin probed into Sirius, nothing forceful, just a greeting. An acknowledgement. From one Jedi to another. Equals. Levin nodded once in approval and turned away to walk towards the center of the chamber, his hand motioned for Sirius and Teer to follow. Once he stood in the center, Lev motioned for Sirius to stand in front of him, and Teer next to her Padawan.

"Your heart is pure, Sirius Kelrune. Your Master chose wisely when she took you on. Be grateful for that."

He said with a steady, stern tone. Levin nodded to Teer to let her know he was ready, and raised his hand with a wave of the Force. Blackout curtains fell from the top of the windows, all light being snuffed as each one closed. They stood in total darkness, and a single voice sounded within the blackness:

"Are you ready, Sirius Kelrune?"

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Master Ka stood silently and attentively, one hand clasped loosely in the other. Her presence here was not the star of the show, and not the primary event. It was her duty merely to be present and pay attention.

And so she stood like a statue carved out of red stone, completely motionless apart from a small nod when Levin recognized her, and commented on her recent visit to Shili.

She was eagerly awaiting the next day, when her transfer to her homeworld was made permanent and she set out for home, to assume her duties as Watchman.

Master Ka moved when Councilor Caelum indicated, her hand lightly resting on Sirius' shoulder as she moved with him. Promptly they came to a stop in the center of the chamber, and Teer Ka looked around, savoring the room.

She'd been considered for the Council once, or so she'd heard a rumor saying. Considered but not accepted. Still, she might have been in one of these seats, delivering wisdom and instructions to the whole of the Jedi Order from the tower. And in her heart, Teer knew she could have done it.

Leadership rippled from her. Her voice was commanding, her visage was the stern face of a leader, and her posture was regal. She knew the right things to say to inspire, she knew when to offer warning and when to offer counsel. Teer Ka was a leader, and always had been. But now she was about to exile herself to Shili.

She still felt small pangs in her heart when she realized there was nowhere further to go, and nothing further to do. 42 Dark Jedi had fallen to her blade, she'd forged diplomatic agreements, and she'd now raised two Padawans into successful Knights. There was nothing left. Nothing but retirement.

Suddenly the Togruta woman felt old.

[Ghostie]

The Councilor, a Master named Levin Caelum, greeted both the Jedi as they entered. For a minute or so, he stared at Sirius. It made the padawan uncomfortable, but he started back, right into the Councilor's eyes. He tried not to blink, to not break contact. It was if the Councilor was sizing him up.

Sirius could feel the Master's presence, it felt like the older Jedi was probing him. Though, it was nothing intrusive. It was more of a welcome, or a greeting. Sirius let his presence wash over him, and he felt more at ease.

The Padawan walked to the center of the room with Teer Ka, the Togruta had laid a hand on his shoulder as they walked. Master Ka was not known for her soft touch. In fact, she rarely ever gave a hug or a pat on the shoulder. However, Sirius had noticed that since he lost his arm, she had been doing it more and more. It was something he had to get used to again.

The Councilor spoke once again, saying that Sirius heart was pure, that they had been watching him, and that he should be grateful for Master Ka. He was indeed grateful. While she had not been comforting, but rather tough to learn under, Sirius felt she was something of a mother to him.

When the Councilor said that they had been watching Sirius with interest, his eyes went wide. One padawan, when they had a war and The Sith to worry about? He hoped they weren't interested because he did something wrong.

Councilor Caelum asked if Sirius was ready to be a Knight. Without hesitation, without thinking on the subject, Sirius gave his answer. There was not need to worry about this private ceremony.

“I am, Councilor Caelum.”

[Dutch]

{OoC: Karma for Ghostie for 500 posts! woo!}

"Good. You will need to be to stand among the Jedi."

Levin said in response, the room still filled with blackness. Lev began to walk, silently, in a circle around the other two Jedi. The only sound in the room was the soft, rhythmic clomps of Levin's boots. He let them sit in silence as the pace was set. A steady thumping echoed in the darkness, it would nearly match Sirius' heartbeat. A reminder. He was alive. The Force was alive. Everything was alive. Everything connected. Lev sent these feelings out into the room, a confirmation of exactly who the Jedi were. Conduits of the Force's will. Its physical manifestation.

"The road of the Jedi is not to be taken lightly, Padawan. You have trained many years now, you will train many more in the future. This is not the end of your Padawan years, this is the continuation of your path. The path of the Jedi...

Levin paused once more in front of Sirius. The boy wouldn't be able to see him still, but Levin was not hiding himself in the Force. He could see Teer and her Padawan through it, their auras clean and solid. Both strong, both benevolent. True Jedi. Levin's lightsaber snapped on with that iconic snap-hiss and bathed the room in a soft, silvery light. Lev's face peered at Sirius through the faded gloom, and raised his chin slightly before he continued:

... Sirius Kelrune. Your Master, Teer Ka, has deemed you worthy to stand side by side with us. You have passed your trials, you have shown good will to the Galaxy and the Republic, you have followed the Code, and upheld its beliefs. The Jedi High Council has made it's decision. Before we welcome you into the fold completely, take one more moment. Thank your Master, as a pupil to the teacher. Express your gratitude to her taking the time to help sculpt you into the diligent young man we see now."

He awaited for the Master and her apprentice to have their moment, sure to not interrupt. The elder Jedi could not help but see himself standing where Sirius did, face to face with his Master. Levin was sure the young man would remember this moment, as Lev did now. A moment of purity, of understanding between Master and Padawan, one last time.

[Ghostie]

Sirius was caught off guard by Councilor Caelum's sudden order. What was he suppose to say to Teer, 'Hey, thanks for training me'? He really was at a loss. What could he say that words could cover? Sirius turned towards Master Ka, adjusting his belt as he did so.

“Master Ka... We've only been together for about a year. It hasn't been the best of times, but it hasn't been the worst either. No matter how things have turned out, or how we felt, you didn't give up on me. I want you to know that despite the short time, you've had the most impact on me. I'd be honored to carry on your legacy.”

Sirius didn't think on what he said. It came from the heart, and then just flowed. It was all truth to him. It probably could've been worded better. More could've probably been said. But that was how Sirius felt. And that's what mattered.

Teer Ka mattered a lot to Sirius. She was like a mother to Sirius, the only one he had ever known. She had given him everything from advice and training to opening him to the galaxy a little more when they went to Shili. Teer Ka ahd never left his side when it mattered the most, such as the couple of days after Sirius had lost his arm.

Sirius was unsure of what to do next. Still looking at Teer, he decided on a course of action that he'd never consider under normal circumstances. Sirius went for a hug, putting his head over her left shoulder. It didn't matter if Teer hugged back or not. That sign of affection could relay all Sirius couldn't.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Master Teer Ka met Sirius' gaze with her own dark eyes, and for once there a tenderness within them, like they were overflowing with positive emotions. It was a side of her she so rarely allowed to leak out, but she let it show in her eyes for Sirius.

The human boy was like a son to her, and the best one she could have hoped for. She hadn't been his first master, but Teer knew she'd be an important one, and she'd had the privilege of guiding a deserving Padawan into a Knight, of fulfilling his training and seeing him safely into his new career as a Jedi.

A smile crept onto Teer's red-skinned face, and the Togruta's lips rose, though she still kept her sharp fangs carefully hidden. It was the most expressive gesture she had to showcase her pleasure at the situation, and when Sirius initiated a hug himself, a little fault-line in her heart widened.

Master Ka had never been the recipient of a hug in her adult life. Not a single one of her Padawans before had shown that affection to her, had found her approachable enough to reach out in such a way. Certainly no other Jedi would make such a gesture to her. The Togruta woman was severe and stern, intimidating with her steely eyes and her scars, and it was incredibly hard for anyone to get close to her.

The fact that Sirius could reach out this way touched her deep within, and as he embraced her, her eyes started to mist up. Her strong arms wrapped around the boy, around the man, and she rubbed his back as her smile widened, a tear sliding down her scarred cheek.

"I'm proud of you Sirius," The Togruta Jedi said softly in her husky voice, the subtle accent rippling placidly. "Very proud."