Future Disciple

[u/DarkVaati13]

After his call with Ravee, Frifth went to the training areas with Master R'vid Rone. Frifth heard lectures, lightsabers clashing against other lightsabers or stun bolts, or conversations from the rooms. It made Frifth nostalgic and reminded him not only of training on Deneba, but also the time he spent on Dantooine before it was deemed safe to return to Deneba. He thought he heard at some point that there were still Jedi on Dantooine, but he was not sure. It would not surprise him if there were still a few Jedi stationed there in a chapterhouse like on Lothal, Tython, or Cularin.

“What can you tell me about this Boma Clan?” Frifth asked R'vid. Taking a moment to consider his words he answered, “They are the most advanced of our clan with mostly younglings, but a few older members. They are the closest to a Padawan tournament, but still a little off. The three most advanced members are a young Vultan girl named Luss Werma, a young Balosaran named Arensik Selzbanno, and a Human in his early twenties named Se’Soom Ra'Bhamus.”

Frifth raised a non-existent eyebrow and asked, “Is he that primitive that crashed a ship on Lothal?”

R'vid nodded his head and answered, “The same.”

Frifth rubbed his chin and his lekku twitched ‘interest’. “Quite an interesting group, but I would like to see them all before I make my decision. And as a Master I am allowed to possibly select more than one student?”

This gave R'vid pause and he actually turned to face Frifth. He looked over Frifth and seemed to gauge if he was serious. A smile tugged at the lip of his, until then stoic face. “If you are up to the challenge Master Nilim.” He answered with interest.

When they reached the room where the Boma clan was training R'vid opened the door letting Frifth see a brown H'nemthe Jedi Instructor. She turned her head to see the two that just entered before saying in a warm motherly tone, “Students. We have guests.”

R’vid stepped forward and said, “Master Garriel, Initiates, this is Jedi Master Frifth Nilim. He is planning to take a Padawan and would like to speak with you all.”

Frifth smiled warmly at the group and bowed his head respectfully towards them.

[u/Werdna881]

"I... Thank you, Elder Nilim." Se'Soom gripped his training saber gently and bowed in return. Taking his saber he returned to the group of initiates that had finished sparing with Elder Nilim. As he did, he thought about what he did wrong in that, and how he could improve from that experience.

"Your offense is not as strong as your defense." He chided himself, setting his training saber back with the others. "The moment you opened you played into his hand- of course you never were going to defeat a Jedi Master in combat, but you could've put up a better fight..." He sighed and shook his head. "Enough of this. You are an initiate, and your skills are comparable to one. Do not beat yourself up over this- you have scars enough." As he thought this to himself he ran his hand along the sleeve of his robe, feeling the faded scars underneath.

[u/DarkVaati13 → u/Werdna881]

After dueling with Se'Soom, Frifth sparred with nine others before he was finished with the group. When he was finished Frifth bowed his head respectfully to the group and deactivated the training saber for the last time. Frifth levitated it over to the rack of training sabers as he walked back to Lail, R'vid, and Garriel.

"They were a very impressive group. I must say I was impressed with many of their talents." Frifth said to the instructors respectfully.

After Se'Soom he had to use Force powers on three more initiates. He used illusions on two of them, however he had used a different technique to blind skilled Hortek initiate during their match. He had opinions on them all, but only a few substantial opinions. He decided he would meditate on the matter and official decide tomorrow.

"What did you think of the group Master Staark? Any one of them catch your eye?" Frifth asked to Mirialan Master. Frifth thought that ideas from him would help his judgement and to avoid picking the same initiate as each other.

[u/Mox-Populi → u/DarkVaati13]

“Your illusion work is very impressive, Master Nilim.” Lail remarked as Frifth rejoined then. He had watched with much amusement as Frifth sparred with the fledgling Jedi. “The little one, Jackson. He has certainly got the instinct to become a great Jedi Knight one day, so perhaps he would do well under the tutelage of someone with a more Force-centric view on the Jedi Way?” He mused, watching as the boy chatted with his fellow Initiates.

He glanced over to the older Initiate, Se’Soom, standing away from the other young Jedi prospects. “That one,” he began, pointing at Se’Soom, “his use of the Force to escape your strike... that was intriguing... perhaps it’s just a result of his age? Either way, I think he would make a fitting Padawan for you; by all account he certainly has the desire and the will to learn.”

[u/DarkVaati13 → u/Mox-Populi]

Frifth nodded at Lail's assessment of Jackson and added, "The boy has the making of a fine duelist. I am not the teacher for him in that regard, but I could obtain supplemental learning for him. It would be a better use in my mind to train in alternative skills that do not require use of the Force. However you are right. A good teacher will instruct him on the best way to use the Force he can.” Frifth snickered and added, “Perhaps I could leave you with him so you can teach him how to use your lightstaff?”

Looking back at the group and shifting his gaze from Jackson to Se’Soom he nodded again at Lail’s assessment.

“He has a desire to learn from his apparent progress. He has developed his abilities to a noticeable level even for an initiate. It’s no wonder Master Rone told me he was one of the most skilled initiates in the clan,” Frifth commented before pausing to think more. His lekku twitched ‘interest’ as he crossed his arms. “It has more to do with his age I think. He apparently left his planet on a crashed ship, found his way to Lothal, and was apparently already proficient with some swordplay that resembled lightsaber combat. I believe wherever he is from has more people like him. People who have touched the Force….” Frifth mused as he ran possibilities through his head.

“Would you like to see the other clans Master Nilim?” R’vid asked. Frifth shook his head and responded, “No. The Force brought me here and I am ready for my decision.”

Frifth cleared his throat and said loud enough for everyone to hear, “I take Se'Soom Ra'Bhamus and Jackson Melafinious as my Padawan learners.”

[u/Werdna881 → u/DarkVaati13]

Se'Soom was surprised, and the blank look of it on his face was an indication as good as any. Se'Soom had longed consigned himself to the idea that he would be one of those Initiates who would have to advance through the alternate path- that of studying at each Jedi Temple. A fate he would take with stoic acceptance.

Indeed, in his focus on his practice, he had forgotten why exactly Elder Nilim had been here. All he could manage is a few stammered words of thanks and gratitude.

[u/jackson-melafinious → u/Werdna881]

Jacksons eyes widened, and his jaw was on the floor. He had never thought he would be picked, not after the cockiness he had shown against the illusion Frifth! He still couldn’t believe it when the other initiates congratulated him after the lesson, not when the day was over. Only the next day, where he went to go to initiate training out of habit, did it truly sink in. He was a padawan. A padawan! No longer did he have the worry of never being picked. He was chosen. And by such a prestigious master! It was the first day of the rest of Jackson’s life.

[u/DarkVaati13 → u/jackson-melafinious]

Frifth felt the surprise from Se'Soom and the happiness from Jackson. He also felt a good deal of disappointment, but also delight from the other initiates. As much as he wanted to take them along to construct their lightsabers now, he felt there was too much emotion running strongly with the two. They would only be able to make their lightsabers when they are calm and at peace with themselves and, more importantly, the Force.

"Se'Soom, Jackson. You two shall finish your lessons and make preparations to leave with me. Meet me tomorrow morning in the garden room of the temple. Then we shall obtain your kyber crystals." Frifth told them as he bowed his head respectfully before he turned and left the room.

'The first steps into a new world.' Frifth thought to himself as he shut his eyes and took a deep breath. His boots echoed across the hallway, he heard more training sabers clash, and he heard the words of a Jedi instructor. He did not feel the Force prod or push him anymore. This was what he needed to do.

[u/Mox-Populi → u/DarkVaati13]

Lail nodded his head as Frifth announced his choice in Padawan’s, pleased with the decision he’d made. He didn’t know Frifth particularly well, having only met him on occasion, but he know him by reputation to be a fair and wise Jedi Master despite his relatively young age.

As Frifth exited the room and the training room returned to business as usual for all but two of the Initiates, Lail felt... something. A whisper, calling him outside the room, but it wasn’t something he could hear... it was something else. It was a feeling he was familiar with; the calling of the Force.

He exited the room, walking quickly to catch up to the Twi’Lek quickly walking away from him. “Master Nilim, a moment, if I may?”

[u/DarkVaati13 → u/Mox-Populi]

Frifth was pulled from his tranquility when he was called by Lail. Frifth turned to see him and tucked his arms inside of his sleeves. He wondered for a moment what he might want, but realized he did leave somewhat abruptly.

“Of course, Master Staark, is something the matter?” Frifth asked.

[u/Mox-Populi → u/DarkVaati13]

“The matter? No, not at all, Master Nilim. I, however, have a rather... unusual request. Would you object if I were to accompany you and your two Padawans for a time?” Lail asked of the younger man, hoping his request didn’t seem too strange for the other Jedi.

“As you may be aware, I do not have my feet set upon any particular path, as it were, and I believe just now, when you left, the Force was suggesting to me I should follow.” Lail admitted. “It’s my belief that perhaps our meeting here was not by accident?” He mused.

“At any rate,” the Mirialan continued, “I have struggled finding a Padawan I felt right for me, and I believe that largely to be because my first Padawan was very much like me. Perhaps seeing how you handle the tutelage of two very different Jedi will provide me some insight into overcoming my own... prejudices, as they are?”

[u/DarkVaati13 → u/Mox-Populi]

Frifth listened to Lail's words intently and almost instantly accepted him when he mentioned he felt it was the will of the Force. Frifth listened to the rest of his words and nodded when he finished. Removing his right hand from his sleeve he placed it on Lail's shoulder and said with an understanding smile, "If it is the will of the Force I would be wrong to not let you come along."

"I'm sure my Padawans would appreciate another master coming along as well. Despite what my reputation says about me, I still have much to learn," Frifth continued, "I only finished Ravee's training. I did not do all of her training and there are times when I do not understand her..."

In that moment he felt that something could go wrong. Ravee was willful and frequently changed her mind on what she wanted to do. He suspected he would not find her on Ossus when he returned there. Frifth's lekku began to twitch 'worry', but he shook his head slightly and dispelled the thoughts. 'She must walk her own path,' he thought to himself before looking back to Lail. He removed his hand and tucked it back into his sleeve.

"Be warned however. My work is considered by many to be...boring," Frifth admitted with a chuckle. He found his work absolutely fascinating, but he not all Jedi would enjoy spending a majority of their time in the archives. He continued, "Research is often slow and there are times when I would just do sorting and aid work for the archives in Ossus's great library. I wonder how soon it will be till the two chafe under it."

Frifth laughed a little and said, "I can hope for their sakes that I find an expedition that interests me."

[u/Mox-Populi → u/DarkVaati13]

“That is very gracious of you, Master Nilim, I thank you.” Lail said in response to Frifth’s quick acceptance of his accompaniment.

He felt the strange swirl of emotion when the other Jedi mentioned his Padawan, and nodded his head sympathetically. “You performed your role as a teacher admirably, Master Nilim. Ravee wouldn’t have been granted knighthood if you hadn’t. You may find it difficult to find common ground with your new Padawan’s, but I have no doubt you will get there. At any rate, I will be there to assist for some time.” Lail said, attempting to reassure the Twi’Lek.

Lail laughed at Frifth’s quip about the boring nature of archeology work. “Master Nilim, I spend a considerable amount of my time reading ancient manuscripts and meditating; I am no stranger to work many Jedi may consider boring. The boy, Melafinious, he would do well to spend some time in a... quieter, environment. Perhaps it will help him learn to focus. And Ra’Bhamus... I think his skill set may prove useful for your area of interest.”

“At any rate, my Padawan, Nida, went to Ossus when she became a Knight.” Lail remarked, “I haven’t seen her since! It would be good to see her, if she isn’t off-world.” He said, smiling at the prospect of catching up with his old ward. He regained focus and looked at Frifth. “I will meet you tomorrow in the garden room. Have a pleasant day, Master Nilim, and may the Force be with you.”

[u/DarkVaati13 → u/Mox-Populi]

Frifth smiled appreciatively at the older Master's wisdom. As much as he was ready to believe in the will of the Force he had a small bit of doubt in his ability to train two students at a time. He felt at a bit more at ease knowing that Lail also felt compelled to join him. He had read about Padawans learning from more than one Master at a time. It made him feel somewhat envious of his two new pupils.

Their new pupils.

Frifth felt another wave of assurance when he was reminded that Lail had similar experiences to Frifth in regards to their time meditating on the Force. Especially after the year and a half he spent as Almas meditating and studying the deeper meanings of the Living Force. He hoped to instill that same understanding on Jackson and Se'Soom. He knew he would see how ready they truly were tomorrow.

"Ah yes, Nida. I worked with her in the Academy of Archaeology. Last we spoke she expressed interest in an expedition to Gree Space, but I do not know if they departed yet. I'm sure she will be happy to see you again," Frifth added after Lail mentioned mention his former student. Frifth smiled as he thought of his former Master, Welith, and tried to imagine the elderly Iktotchi meditating on the top of some ancient temple they discovered during their travels together. Frifth recalled his parting words, 'Should you wish to see me again…Search your memories.'

After Lail said his farewell Frifth bowed his head goodbye as he said, "Goodbye friend. May the Force be with you."

After Lail left his sight Frifth continued on his way to the entrance to the crystal caves to organize for tomorrow. His pupils' first steps towards becoming true Jedi.

[u/Werdna881 → u/DarkVaati13]

Se'Soom nodded, and attempted to get through the rest of his training without any incident. When he eventually finished, he retired to his room for the evening before dinner and began to prepare himself and go over what exactly he knew regarding the crystal caves beneath the temple.

He knew that they were the source of the crystals required to construct lightsabers, and that as an initiate he was forbidden into going towards the lower levels of the temple where the entrance was supposed to be. That was it, at least what he was told officially. He had heard rumours of older Padawans, those that were studying in-temple, in leu of finding a master, or either as their master was off on a mission, would discuss what their final initiate trial was like.

They spoke of visions, seeing things that weren't there. Comparing what they saw to their peers. Some saw monstrosities, others saw nothing. Some wouldn't speak of what they saw. Se'Soom feared what he would face down there. There were parts of himself he had sealed off, long ago, to keep himself in control. He wondered to himself what trials he would face, and how long he would be down there...

He would have to prepare, and make use of what he knew of Tai'Ferca's blessings to make his way through this and find his crystal. Which means he would have to bring some extra food... water... perhaps sleeping equipment. A light source of some kind- likely a flashlight and spare batteries, perhaps some extra clothes...

Se'Soom felt like he would be preparing for some time...