The Council Chamber

[Dutch]

Levin watched the moment in complete silence. Though his expression was stoic and stern, Lev could not help but feel the love within the Council Chambers. A feeling the room lacked more and more as the darkness descended onto the galaxy. It was good for Jedi to be reminded that emotions themselves were not inherently bad, but it was acting upon them brashly that was. It would be something Levin was more than familiar on, and something that the elder Jedi needed to share with Sirius, alone. But not quite yet. Not until he spoke to the boy as an equal, not a Padawan.

Once the two were done, Levin stepped closer, his boots echoed through the dimly lit room. His eyes once more stared into Sirius' as Levin stood straight and held his lightsaber in a Makashi salute. The silver light of his lightsaber made both men glow in the darkness. Through the Force, Levin sent a message to Teer. You did well, Teer Ka... Then he spoke, a tone that left no room for interpretation.

"Sirius Kelrune, it is time. Kneel."

When he had done so, Levin snapped his blade down to sit just above the shoulder, the same side that the boy's Padawan braid was. Lev held it there, let its hum be the only sound for a moment before Lev spoke.

"I, High Councilor Levin Caelum, deem you ready to stand with the Jedi. To stand for the Republic's ideals and citizens. To protect those who can't protect themselves, and if need be, give your life for them. I welcome you to the flock, Sirius Kelrune...

With a quick snap of his wrist, Levin's lightsaber swung upwards to slice cleanly through his Padawan braid. With a flourish Levin snapped his blade to point downwards and took two steps back before continuing to speak.

... Rise, Sirius Kelrune. Knight of the Republic."

[keyz]

The boy walked right along with her as she guided him along the uniquely adorned halls of the jedi temple. He knew the location of their destination, but had never dreamed of being inside the chamber of the Jedi Council. He listened very closely to his potential new Master as she told him in a serene honesty exactly what to expect from her training. It is true that the lack of intense action would disappoint many initiates; but Jifo was in fact the opposite. As she spoke of the Force, and the exploration and promotion of it's benefits to every living thing; she captivated his interests completely. He eagerly followed at her side as they moved through the walkways together, smiling all the way; almost reassuring her of his humble but excited acceptance of her offer.

As they arrived at the door to the chamber wherein sat the most experience and wise members of their order. It was now that he was met with trepidation. It only just dawned on him that the council may not allow him to become her padawan due to his own short comings. He met his doubts with integrity and tried to give himself a little credit. While it was true there were many areas where he suffered, his determination could not be argued and he was adept enough at the usage of the Force to match even those above his age group. Though his lightsaber skills were going to need some work; but her assurance to help him find proper training was very helpful in easing his tension.

Look up at the huge, ornate door leading to the Council Chamber; he stepped ever so slightly closer to Jedi Knight Silene. "Don't worry he said assuringly. E-everything should go fine." he said, in a statement more designed to comfort himself than anyone else. It didn't take long at all for the doors to slide open and the Masters within to bid the enter. Jifo stepped in slowly behind Silene and bowed as the they reached the center of the room. Upon picking his head back up, he looked around at the faces of the Masters the circled the room.

[10Tickler]

Bowing to the collected Masters of the Jedi Order, The Zelosian Knight, Silene Stellata, rose slowly, her eyes casting over the entire group, before speaking, her words clear, yet soft-spoken. "Masters. It is with greatest respect that we approach you today" she began, standing stock-still and straight as a board. It was clear to see that the Zelosian was nervous, having come before them now to make her request. "I am here today, with Initiate Riou, to request your permissions to take him on as my Padawan Learner." the woman added, her eyes fierce in this moment. Something had inspired this, and it seemed as though it had put quite the fire in her belly.


Continuing, Silene continued to stand, but moved her gaze around the room, looking at each of the Masters in turn, before finally resting her stare upon Levin, not only a member of the Council, but also her direct superior. "I realize that I am perhaps the least likely candidate to take on a pupil, my...personal philosophies are counter-intuitive to what the mission of the Jedi tends to be...what I feel that I can offer this initiate, however, are a strong sense of Values on which he might build his own opinions, and the opportunities to become more than just another face in the crowd, the chance to learn and grow and shine..."


Trailing off, Silene sighed softly, then smiled at the collected Councilmembers, bowing her head once more and waiting for their judgement on the request.

[Dutch]

Levin would turn his gaze from the Grandmaster as the Council chamber door slid open. Having just been informed earlier that day, he realized that this was the Knight who's request fell under his judgement. It was hard to mistake the zelosian for anyone else as she entered, the young Jedi Silene. Seemingly timid behind her robes, Levin could see a younger human child follow in Silene's wake. He would narrow his eyes slightly as the woman made her request, gaze sliding to the boy as the expected request was vocalized. As Silene's eyes met his Levin did not look away. Slowly Lev leaned forward to rest elbows upon his robed knees, hands intertwined as he measured not just the request but they way she delivered it.

As if oil sliding into water, Levin's presence smoothly rolled out into the chamber with a slow exhale. Almost too easily his mind picked up on the thoughts and emotions that exuded from both of the younger Jedi. He didn't doubt the zelosian's sincereity, but that wasn't what he needed to feel. His eyes drifted closed as the Force built up further around the older Jedi. Pale, pure energies pulsed rhythmically from Levin's presence to wash through the room. In the peripheries of his mind spectral visions loomed. Riou's past, a mere blink of the eye in comparison to some. Silene's present, anxious yet excited at the coming prospect. A possible future, a bright light paired with a hue of pride then a sudden smell of coppery blood.

"What you ask is no small request Silene Stellata." Levin began as his gaze moved from the boy and back to the woman. "You are still young yourself, barely a decade older than the boy. Would he not be better placed in the hands of a more veteran Knight or a Master"

The test put out there verbally, Levin waited patiently to see how exactly the two would receive doubt and questioning.

[keyz]

Jifo stayed very still, and kept his head down; though he was well aware there was nothing to fear. He could scarcely imagine a safer place than amongst so many experienced Master. All the same he was quiet and payed very close attention to the Master and how Silene interacted with them. What better time to begin learning from his potential Master? She was direct and honest when she spoke of what she could teach him, just as she had been with him on their way to the chamber.

He tried to maintain his focus in the room, which was filled with such a commanding presence which he could hardy interpret. Such raw feeling and consciousness must be the sensation one is faced with under the scrutiny of Jedi with such experience. Though it was daunting, Jifo was more intensely focused now than ever. He felt as though his own identity in the force was now a small flickering candle compared with a star.

As Master Levin spoke Jifo listened very closely. It seemed like he was expressing doubt in Master Silene's experience, saying only that she was quite young a perhaps needed to learn more herself. Jifo's face was unchanging as he considered his words. He thought that Master Levin was instead making sure of Silene's own resolve and assuring himself that she was clear on what she knew and what she could teach young Jifo. For the first time since entering the room, Jifo averted his gaze and set his eyes upward at his potential Master. In his own small way, he expressed every confidence in Master Silene and her experience in the living Force. He looked back at Master Levin unsure if he would add anything more before Master Silene gave her answer.

[10Tickler]

She'd expected doubt, questioning, and while she waited for Levin's response, Silene could feel the Force's Ebb and flow throughout the room, Levin's presence among her emotions, and his caution, in more than just the words that the Master had spoken. If they were intended to cause Silene to doubt her own resolve, however, the words failed - instead, filling her with a passion to respond, to explain and make her reasoning clear to the Council, to Levin in particular. "I have freely admitted to my shortcomings. I'm no master with the Lightsaber, I'm not amazing at Pushing things around, or making them rise up off of the ground" she began, her speech impassioned in the moment.


Green eyes staring at Levin specifically now, locked onto his form for several moments, more than enough silence to bring the moment into a sharp point of tension, one that Silene was determined to take full advantage of. "There are many masters who would offer This initiate better training in so many areas, and while I do not doubt their strength of character, force of will, or Compassion, I do suggest that trauma and tragedy is best cared for by a gentler touch. Compassion is core to my beliefs, to what the Force guides me towards, and while my age may not have allowed me as many trials to overcome and develop wisdom from, I wonder if, in fact, the true relationship between Knight and Padawan isn't one of Master and student, but of two learning together as one, building and growing together, with one learning more from the other, yet still offering their own lessons in turn..."


The Zelosian had spoken her mind, and while it may have been inflammatory to the situation, it was her opinion, her thoughts condensed. Silene had her weaknesses, had admitted them, but had also raised her own -in her mind, valid- points. She would, of course, respect the Council's decisions...but the Force had led her here, to make her case and present her points, and deep inside, she felt as though this were right, the correct thing to do, to offer a promising youth a chance beyond a life in the Agricorps, a chance to flourish and grow into a Guardian of the peace, an unwavering beacon of Justice and Good in the Galaxy. In short, Silene believed in Jifo. Not only in the young male's current self, but in his potential, in the future that he could have, but only if his present were properly given the chance.

[Dutch]

Levin watched and listened as Silene made her case, ample amounts of words saying what she thought the Council wanted to hear. Yet it was not the Council who would make this call. That burden would fall to Levin, as Silene was one of his Jedi Healers. Though new Jedi would always be needed to heed the call to the Healing path, it was not a path meant for all Jedi. He cast a glance Master Si Quan, the elder man expressionless as he gave the most slight of nods. Quickly returned with a small shake from Lev. Without replying to the zelosian knight, the Master Healer let his fingertips rest together as he turned his cool gaze to the boy.

"Step forward, youngling." He began, waiting patiently for the child to do so. Levin let his eyes bury into Jifo's, unblinking as his presence wafted about the boy's. "Knight Stellata offers us many words in argument to take you under her tutelage. Yet you have not spoken. Consider this your chance to speak before we make our decision."

"The path of the Jedi is not easy. The path of the Jedi Healer even less so. We see more death and suffering than any other. You will see the worst manifestations of darkness. Disease. Carnage. Madness. You will face trials, youngling. Not just those as a padawan. Not just the Jedi trials. Each patient and every victim you treat will be a trial. Jifo Riou, do you feel Knight Stellata can give you the guidance you need to face these trials?"

[keyz]

Jifo only watched as Silene let her consideration and her intention be known. She spoke very confidently and it made him quite confident as well. He had an excellent feeling about their situation and their case before the council. He watched with the slightest anticipation as Master Levin exchanged a glance to another Master before looking back to them, uncertain of what they had wordlessly agreed on. It was only after Master Levin spoke to him directly that his confident demeanor began to falter. He stepped forward listening with intense direction as the Master presented his possible future to him.

Finally he took a brief moment to consider what Master Levin had said and he spoke, "I have no doubt that everything you said about becoming a Jedi Healer is true Master Levin. I have never faced such illness, loss or depravity before and am therefore at a loss as to how I could possibly prepare to meet such challenges. I do, however, have a great amount of faith in the abilities of Master Silene as do I feel a strong connection towards her. I cannot believe that the Force would have let our paths idly intertwine." He paused for only a moment taking a deep breath. " I know I expressed doubt in myself, when measure up to the unique challenge of becoming a Healer of the Jedi Order; and it is certainly true that not every Jedi is equipped to face the dangers of which you speak. Master Levin, surely I would not be able to call myself a Jedi at all if I were not willing to try myself against these obstacles to help those who others cannot. I think..." his words broke again, and he looked back at Master Silene, "...I feel that Master Silene Stellata is far beyond capable of honing my ability to the degree necessary to not only face but excel past any difficulty."

He bowed deeply to the Masters circling them and moved back into his spot just behind Silene. He only hoped now that they may give padawan's words consideration, and that the Force would guide them to feel what he felt.

[Dutch]

The very smallest of smiles took one corner of Levin's lips as the boy spoke. Warm currents had wafted off Jifo's presence as he rambled, untamed and raw. Yet still sincere and gentle enough for the elder Jedi to pick up on who the child was. Who he would yet become.

"A simple 'Yes' or 'No' would have done, youngling." He would reply, his steady tone betraying the slightest hint of bemusement at the boy's struggle. The Master would slowly rise to his feet, aware but not bothered by the turn of every eye on the Council towards him. A couple steps would lead him to stand before Silene and Jifo, the taller man looked down from the zelosian woman to the boy.

"Always remember, a Healer works with precision. Waste nothing. Be aware of everything." Levin would start before his grey gaze slid back to meet Silene's shocking green one. "As his Master, you are now entirely responsible for him. His actions are your actions, his successes are yours. His failures, are yours. Wisdom before pride, Knight Stellata."

Levin would take a deep breath before reaching out, a hand finding a shoulder on both the younger Jedi. He nodded once before turning to return to his seat on the Council. His fingers intertwined with each other and rested at his stomach.

"I sanction your requests. He'll need a lightsaber, Knight."