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Post by Urgayle Pyro on Jun 8, 2013 4:38:51 GMT -8
Lorsa bowed at the arrival of the two Jedi Masters, bowing again as Master Zero made a quick exit, no doubt important matters on his mind. Casten made a mental note to seek Zero out in the future and learn the tale of this man. Casting eyes upon Master Dewe, Lorsa knew immediately he had come to the right place, that his journey, at least for the moment, was complete. The Jedi's presence was unmistakable in the Force, a signature unlike any he had seen before. Master Dewe had asked him a simple enough question. Casten replied without hesitation, as in earnest as he had ever been.
"I am here to meditate, to learn what I may from this place and what time I am granted here, and, if it be the will of the Force, to be trained as a Jedi. More to the point, Master -- what can I do for you?"
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Post by Devlin Dewe on Jun 8, 2013 13:18:01 GMT -8
Devlin folds his arms into the sleeves of his cloak.
"Ah, you seek knowledge. We house a great store of knowledge. You seek to meditate, we have a chamber for that. We have arenas for lightsaber combat. But discipline, that must come from within. You come to us when you are ready, Padawan. You will leave when the Force guides you. Know this, the journey from Padawan to Knight is not easy. It is not for the faint of heart or the weak willed. You will be tested, you will be tried, you will discover your limits and break through them."
He decided to moderate his tone; lighten it so as not to scare the man away.
Devlin rubs his chin, a smile forming on his face.
"I'm sure there is something around here for a young man to do..."
He motions toward Master Zero's path then toward the meditation chamber's entrance.
"We are fairly loose, here, in the beginning. You will not find the yoke of Padawan too heavy. I give you two options: follow Master Zero into the Great Jedi Library and learn from our past or retire for a time into meditation, either in the chambers or outside in the wilds of Ossus. We learn from history to avoid repeating it. We learn to find peace so it doesn't elude us even in the harshest storm. Choose wisely, Padawan Lorsa."
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Post by Urgayle Pyro on Jun 9, 2013 8:52:45 GMT -8
The young Lorrdian smiled at the mention of limits, and at being referred to as 'Padawan.' "My father once told me that limits are made to be broken, Master." Listening intently to everything Master Dewe told him, the young man replied, steadfast of determination, calmly and unflinchingly, "I am not afraid, Master."
"I'll seek out Master Zero. History is of particular interest to me, and I have no doubt Master Zero has epic tales to tell. Am I dressed appropriately, Master? Is there anything about my appearance I should alter for my time here on Ossus, to be more in line with the standards you have set? And regarding my training -- which among you should I refer to as my "Master?"
At this last question, Casten bowed his head in the presence of the Jedi Master, leader of the Ossus Praxeum. His word would be the final say in the matter, and Casten was perfectly calm with whatever the outcome.
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Post by Devlin Dewe on Jun 10, 2013 15:45:46 GMT -8
"Appearances are only a surface reflection of who we are. Dress as you think appropriate. You may grow the traditional Padawan braid."
He smiles.
The testing began. Not just for the Padawan. It was time Devlin listened to the will of the Force.
"Before I decide, I will ask you: Where do you think your talents lie? The subtlety of the Force or the deftness of a lightsaber? Which would you prefer?"
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Post by Urgayle Pyro on Jun 10, 2013 20:06:24 GMT -8
Casten thought long, and hard before answering Master Dewe. He had sought the depths of his very being for the very answer his lips were now poised to speak, but he found it difficult. The path this decision sent him on was one that steered the course of his very existence, and so was a decision that warranted much thought. Perhaps as much as fifty seconds passed.
"I've been told I am possessed of a level head, Master. I can think on my feet, I'm a capable leader, and I'm fiercely determined. I see a task through to the very end. That said, I'm no slouch in a fight either, sir. Though I'd rather fight a battle -- even a stand-up fight, with my wits. Something I am constantly striving to better myself with is my innate Lorrdian nature. I can come off as kind of cold, or calculating, which doesn't make for the very best negotiations. If it be the will of the Force... I would like to become a Shadow, Master."
The look on Master Dewe's face was, for the moment, inscrutable, and it spooked Casten a little. He wasn't sure if he'd said the right thing, or really stuck his foot in his mouth -- ankle deep. Looking slightly abashed, he carried on. "Should I seek out Master Zero now, and leave you in peace, Master?"
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Post by Devlin Dewe on Jun 11, 2013 14:16:28 GMT -8
Devlin took a moment to consider Casten's response. He had to discern where the Force moved him and what it told him. It was not unheard of, after all, for a Jedi to have two Padawans. It was just...unorthodox. If you followed the old ways. But the new ways particularly popular on Yavin had merits of their own.
At the mention of Jedi Shadows, Devlin smiles.
"There is much to learn if you pursue that path. The Shadows are...an interesting group. They are friendly enough, though. I doubt they'd treat you too roughly. I could show you a few tricks before making the proper introductions."
That would be an excuse to stretch his mostly unused skills in the art of deception. Well, deception when it came to the Force. And potential get him off Ossus for a bit. At least as far as Endor.
"There is one more question I will ask before assigning you a Master. Have you constructed a lightsaber yet?"
Devlin was curious just how much training this new initiate had previously had.
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Post by Urgayle Pyro on Jun 11, 2013 14:48:26 GMT -8
"I have, Master Dewe." Casten produces his lightsabre hilt, a simple affair with few adornments. Compact, barely longer than a closed fist -- the only piece protruding a basic emitter shroud. The Padawan, obviously proud of his work, holds the weapon out, base first, to the Jedi swordsman. To the Master, it would seem somewhat crude, but there was a definite workmanlike quality to the weapon. Balanced, and serviceable.
"The culmination of much study and much trial and error, with 'The Preacher' on Ryloth."
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Post by Devlin Dewe on Jun 11, 2013 15:18:56 GMT -8
"The Preacher". That was a name he did not know; but he had not traveled to Ryloth...that he could recall.
Devlin floats the hilt toward him and stretches out his right hand to catch it. He studies the hilt for a moment.
It was a fine first effort. Basic, maybe rudimentary; but there was a certain skill behind the craftsmanship. A better effort than some Padawans might offer as a serviceable weapon. Not that any of Devlin's Padawans had offered less than this as a first effort.
"Very good. Now, we have a starting point."
With a smile, he opens his palm and offers Casten his hilt.
"You may find me a difficult master, Casten. In our quest toward Knighthood we must face ourselves, plum our inner depths, and delve into our weaknesses. These trials are not for the faint of heart. If you accept this burden, your path toward Knighthood will begin. If not, we can still find a use for you within the Praxeum; but you will not become a Jedi. There is no shame in leaving. It is a choice. Everything we do, every action we take, is a choice. That is your first lesson. Learn it well. Meditate on it often.
"If you choose the path of the Jedi and still wish to journey toward Knighthood, I will instruct you. If you are ready to begin, go to the library and meet with Master Zero. Learn from him. Learn our history, the history of the Order so you may better understand the weight of this burden you wish to undertake.
"If you choose the path of ease, I will understand. Go to the kitchens and begin peeling tubers for tonight's meal."
His expression is unreadable.
He did not wish to influence Casten's choice in any way by his demeanor.
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Post by Urgayle Pyro on Jun 12, 2013 4:49:38 GMT -8
Casten nodded in understanding to what Master Dewe had said, taking everything in. He took a few deep breaths, acknowledging the full extent of what he was undertaking. He thought back to Ryloth, And further, to Taris and Shaddaa... everywhere he'd followed the Preacher on one of his crusades. He thought about the first touch of the Force, and how his mindset differed from his old mentor. And he concentrated on the feel of Ossus, the draw the place had held over him for as long as he could remember. It was right. He was right. Ossus was home, and he wouldn't let anything turn him from the path he now embarked upon.
"The Library then, Master." Casten bowed low, retrieving the lightsabre from his Master, and with an appreciative smile, turned and walked off toward the Jedi Library.
Master Zero would have been difficult to find, considering how expansive the library was, had Casten not opened himself to the Force, and discovered Master Zero's signature among the stacks. There were row upon row of datacards. One could read for centuries and never exhaust the teachings enclosed within the library. He found Master Zero in a small row filled with actual books, leather-bound volumes that must have been very precious, and very old. They had been introduced. No need for formalities.
"What's this one, Master Zero?" the young Lorrdian asked, running a finger along the spine of a large bound volume with green text in a language he was not familiar with.
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Post by Devlin Dewe on Jun 13, 2013 9:53:51 GMT -8
Devlin watched his new Padawan leave.
He turns and walks down the corridor in the opposite direction.
"Time to find Talon and tell him the news."
Hopefully, he won't think I want to promote him.
He chuckles at the thought.
"Shall I find him for you, sir?"
"Thank you, no, CZ. I think I'd rather like a walk."
CZ clanks down the corridor to the main communications room.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 18, 2013 11:51:21 GMT -8
=Jedi Council Chambers=
*It had been one week exactly unto the day, and now a young Zabrak lay in the medical facility being tended to by several droids and some of the more senior Jedi healers.
So, how had it come to this, how had a kind vigilant and strong Jedi learner come to wind up with multiple fractures and scorch marks upon his body, and how had it transpired that one of his fellow class mates had come now, summoned before the Council after a week spent in solitary confinement and meditation charged with having committed and unprecedented assault upon Kaybl Zaprah.
The odd thing was, was that now as I stood here I had no ill feeling toward Kaybl and never could I remember disliking him, for he was the likable sort, perhaps a bit cocky but still likable. Yet this was not the first time I had lost control; control one of the first precepts of the force as taught to all initiates was the element of control.
For years now my teachers and mentors had seen signs, sign enough for worry. This was not the first time I had been called before Masters, however now all would be present, where as previously it had been but one or two.
The path I had walked was scarred with incident, too many times when anger and willfulness had become my Achilles heel, unable to accomplish a task or through frustration, I had called upon elements of the foreboding dark side and funneled my frustrations into unwanted destruction, remotes, innate objects such as stones, a table, a vase, and now worst of all another life form.
It had happened when sparring; something Kaybl was better at, remarked by the Battlemaster as one of the most promising talents he had seen for several years. As I had said, if Kaybl had one flaw it was his cock sure stance and since dueling was where he flourished he was sometimes prone to show off and even tease opponents.
That fateful day we had been sparring alone, unattended, he had the upper hand, it were as though he were toying with me, lately Kabyl had begun to study advance techniques of Shii Cho, his ability to out think all his peers was well known and he was both bold and inventive. Needless to say I was forced back, and back again, I had fallen into a poor defensive regime, I was just staving off every blow with all my effort. Yet he began to toy with me and I could sense it. He came at me when he pleased, he started throwing remarks pretending he were some instructor, reminding me to watch my footwork, hold my blade looser, be alert. I attempted to stave off frustration but the longer he toyed and this went on the more frustrated and angered I became.
His blade fell catching my wrist and I dropped my weapon, this to some would have been the end, yet he delivered one particularly cruel statement, he told me he had warned me about holding my blade correctly and that even the five year old younglings could manage that. It was all too much, anger flooded me and I picked up my blade and hammered at him, lashed out at his body with my feet as I propelled him backward with a strength I did not know I possessed. I then unleashed my fury and lashed out with the force, the blast of energy forced him into the near wall at a speed that was much too fast, he could not prevent it. I did not even know where such power had stemmed from or what I had even done, yet his near crushed frame lay at my feet.
I did not get help and some time passed, I later learned that an hour passed before he and I were found. I was still stood there standing dumb struck my weapon still in my hand.
He was taken away and a week later was still recovering, the healers and doctors said it would be at least another week yet and then perhaps months to recover from shock, some even spoke of counseling.
Here I was then, head bowed surrounded by a ring of aged superior and fearless beings, they knew everything, they saw everything. On countless occasions they had given me second chances, they spoke of my strength and if I could Master control then I would become a strong and just Jedi. They had given me special classes and tuition in the area of control, taught me meditative exercises and offered counseling. They had explored several avenues and now I had stepped too far. Now they were left with the only option they had, to send me to serve as part of the Jedi auxiliary service. I was for the time present not fit to proceed with my learning. I had endangered another and nearly killed him. They would send me away to contemplate and reflect. I did not know how long, I guessed that all depended upon how I served.
Only sadness filled me, a great huge hole had opened up within me, one that could not be filled. To be a Jedi had been my life, my dream, my vision, now it lay in tatters because I could not control my unruly temper. I knew not what lay in store for me, I only hoped that in time I could be welcomed back into their fold and become the Jedi I believed I was destined to be.*
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Post by Devlin Dewe on Jun 18, 2013 17:32:17 GMT -8
=Jedi Council Chambers=
The Council had gathered. A rare event on Ossus these days. It's purpose was not happy. A student struggled to heal within the medical wing. His attacker: another student.
CZ-9 patched the call into Devlin's commlink. Devlin acknowledged the summons by tapping his wristcomm. His search for Talon would have to wait; Talon would understand. This was not a duty he liked; unfortunately, sometimes it was necessary.
Not that he didn't like discipline. He preferred Masters discipline their own students. He preferred students didn't stray this far from the path of the Jedi. He preferred Younglings learned better control over themselves. After all, that was the main focus of their training.
He stood in front of his chair, his arms folded and hidden within the sleeves of his brown robe. His hood down, his dark hair flowed freely down his back. His face was clean-shave, but did not smile. He stared at the Youngling.
"Youngling Cloudrunner, you know why you stand before us. Tell me what happened. Why did you lose control, again?"
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2013 12:15:17 GMT -8
=Jedi Council Chambers=I twisted the stub of my boot into the marbled floor as the feeling of awkwardness grew, an uncomfortable silence stretched and stretched and then a male voice spoke.
w
I shifted my eyes to look from under the shade of my bowed head to view a middle aged man with dark brown hair and beard and an all too serious expression. His question was direct, to the point. I shifted my gaze to his feet for it was more comfortable than his penetrating gaze.I spoke quietly suddenly very self aware that I was the only one speaking and what I said held my future in balance, but what could I say other than the truth. I had not been provoked, teased perhaps maybe mildly criticised, another may have taken the comments in a more constructive manner, I had not.
How many times had I stood before a Jedi and confessed to losing control? Too many was the answer to that question and now I feared the Council's patience was growing thin.
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Post by Devlin Dewe on Jun 19, 2013 15:37:16 GMT -8
=Jedi Council Chambers=
Devlin paused a moment to reflect upon the Youngling before him. The young man was barely more than a boy fresh from his homeworld. Yet, this was neither his first offense nor the first time he had lost control.
Breathing in, Devlin closes his eyes and concentrates upon Aquilas and his Force presence.
Moments pass in silence as Devlin studied the candidate for Jedi training.
He doesn't open his eyes.
"There is anger in you. Doubt. Fear. The dark side tempts you, but does not control you."
He opens his eyes.
"You test even a Jedi's patience, child. What am I to do with you?"
Another Council member offered Devlin a datapad and he read it with pursed lips.
"There is a time for everything and everything has its time," he muttered.
He didn't wait for Aquilas' answer.
"You must learn control. You continue to remain stuck on this lesson. Why?"
This time, he waited for Aquilas to answer.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2013 14:18:04 GMT -8
*I remained under scrutiny I did not see their gaze but I felt the probing as they sought to glean what they could, using the force to ascertain what pathway might lie before me, a judge of character, of my makeup.
This Jedi Councilor he saw everything, he testified as much. For even in a place such as this I myself felt conflicted, I felt the tumult of rawness, the swirling of chaos within me. I wasn't even certain of myself anymore. I couldn't admit that the truths and virtues I had taken an oath to protect were the same strong pillars they always had been. The events I had unleashed had caused ripples, the ripples had turned into cracks and now the cracks had grown to fractures.
I listened, my ears pricked as he spoke of time, was this then my time or was he referring to the time in which the event had happened, a small part of me dared to hope that the Jedi Master was convincing the others that everything had a time and a place and all things happen for a reason, was there then another chance?
Then the probing continued, to answer his question this time I faced him.*"It is hard to control the impulses and I fail to control what I don't understand." *This indeed was true, the feelings I felt I knew, but where the tide of energy and power came from that frequently followed was as though it did not belong to me. Of course I had been taught the fraught dangers of the Dark side, but was these surges really the Darkness? I did not chose, no it chose me. I was chipped away at, eroded until self will dissipated and the other Aquilas came out. I returned to pick up the pieces.*
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Post by Devlin Dewe on Jun 20, 2013 17:06:02 GMT -8
Devlin nods, a smal smile forms on his face.
"Truer words were never spoken."
He schools his face to stoicism once more.
"However, the path of a Jedi is one that tiptoes on a razor's edge. We struggle against the dark side; not just outwardly against the Sith, but within our very selves. If you cannot control yourself, perhaps the Jedi's path is not yours. At least, not yet."
He breathes in deeply.
And sought peace.
"Know that you will always have a home among us, whatever you choose."
It was not a question posed often to initiates, whether Younglings or Padawans. The choice to train was typically the choice to follow the path to the end. However, living in a library had expanded Devlin's knowledge beyond his own experiences. He had learned that people vary. The Force ebbs and flows, it is not constant. It was constantly present; but the future was always uncertain.
"The Force flows around us, through us, in us. It doesn't control our actions, it guides them. Whether dark or light, the Force does not cause Jedi to fall. Jedi fall because of their choices. So, I put it to you: Do you, Aquilas Cloudrunner, believe you can learn to control your emotions, yourself, here among the Jedi?"
It was not an easy question. Most things in life, however, weren't. Devlin just hoped this knowledge wouldn't burden the Youngling before he was ready.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2013 18:10:25 GMT -8
*From the shadows above, near an open grate, sat Keda. She watched the trial with content interest, never had she been so close or seen so many force users in on place. That wasn't what drew her here though, no, it was her target, a new target. Down far below her where the council gathered was Devlin Dewe, her new prey. She didn't question why or wonder what the reason for her orders were, she was just programed to follow them. Her gaze lazily drifted between the council and the Jedi on trial, settling in she waited letting her prey make the first move.*
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Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2013 15:49:06 GMT -8
*I should be pleased to be so highly spoken of by a Jedi Master let alone a Council member. I should feel humbled, yet I did not. I felt guilt and great pain.
Oh how I knew Master Dewe's words to never be truer, he had found that the edge of the razor was not an edge there in fact seemed to be no line that one knew they had crossed. I had felt nothing, it was not like passing from one side to another. The Jedi spoke of the Dark Side like it was the across the pedway, but I had felt no such passage from light to dark. I knew not if this was the norm but if it were then no wonder it was hard to walk the path, for a path with no edges, well was that even a path at all?
I smiled sadly. I was glad that I would always have a home here, the sentiment was appreciated, but surely I was dangerous and what was more, could I trust myself, I thought not.
I had been conflicted before but now around me rolled turbulence, the force doesn't control our actions it guides them. Was I then guided to hurt my fellow learner as I had. I did not like this idea.
He spoke of choice in the same sentence, so I had choice and I had chosen to act yet also been guided to act. This made no sense and until I could understand all of this I thought it best I have time away from the Jedi Order."My mind is muddled. I am struggling to comprehend what happened and what I did and what I am and how. My choice is not to fall yet neither is it to follow the path of the Jedi, for I cannot follow what I do not understand or see. I feel it best I have time to reflect and get my head around everything." *I inclined my head and clasped my hands in front of me. I was sorry, truly sorry, but as of now things were too unclear and uncertain.*
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Post by Devlin Dewe on Jun 21, 2013 16:06:38 GMT -8
The choice was made.
Devlin smiles sadly. He nods his head. Then stares at the ceiling.
The other council members left the chamber. He was alone with Aquilas.
He looks at the Youngling--former Youngling.
"It is good you know yourself so well, Aquilas Cloudrunner. The Jedi path is not an easy one. Some claim it is; but there are other, easier paths that exist for Force-sensitives. The Sith follow one of these. Anger is easy. Hate is easy. The path to knowledge is slow and winding, not quick and easy."
He sighs.
"It is no longer my place to lecture you. Until such a time as you feel the Force calls you back to us, you are no longer following the Jedi path. As always, you are following your own path...as we all must do. I wish you well on your journey, young one."
He spreads his arms wide and reveals his hands hands for the first time. His palms face upward.
"Stay as long as you wish on Ossus or go where the Force guides you. We will remain, as we always have."
He smiles warmly.
"May the Force be with you, Aquilas Cloudrunner."
It was done. He had expelled the boy from the Order...as much as anyone who hasn't fallen to the dark side could get expelled (yet even those who fell could still be redeemed). It left a hollow feeling inside Devlin. Not of guilt or remorse, but regret. Regret that one so young could feel so unguided. Had he failed the Order or had the Order failed him? That was a question Devlin would ponder long after Aquilas was gone from the Council Chambers.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2013 16:24:47 GMT -8
*I may have harbored and still harbor anger, but anger would not guide me I would not allow it to destroy everything I had worked hard for, there was so much good amidst the wrong. Yet whilst it tainted and marred my actions I knew I could not serve, perhaps in time control would come.
I did not seek an easier path, just a path of best fit, one I understood, one that personified who I was."I thank you Master.......I know and I shall...........always call the Jedi....................home. I will stay no longer than I need, collect my things and board the next shuttle." *I shrugged not knowing where I would go to or where my journey would take me, I still believed the force would guide me and I hoped it would lead me to on a true path.*So it was I chose, odd to think that. The meeting had not gone as I had imagined, leaving the Order had been my choice and mine alone, just as I had freely chosen to join my brethren so now I chose to depart ways, at least for now.
I bowed to those present and then turned and exited the council chamber to head to my dorm room collect the few personal affects I had and take the next available shuttle.
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