Private A Foot On The Path

[Jin'lian]

Tirin Raene​

Jin smiled contentedly as he further followed Master Tirin to another place. It was a spacious room with comfortable seating and the likes. It was fun to be somewhere new from time to time, they thought. It was funny to think for the next little while navigating the ship will seem like little adventures. The Catari took a seat and waited for Tirin to collect some things from a shelf.

Looking inside as it opened they could their eyes drew to to colourful and beautiful. He did not get a chance to appreciate all that was in the box immediately as Jin's eyes shifted up to look at Tirin's as he spoke. It was amusing kind of to see how he began to speak about braids in a simple explanation. Of course Jin had seen them styled differently but never gave it much thought. Still it was nice to hear options.

"Well, I don't know what would look best, so I am eager to try many kinds perhaps," Jin'lian said cheerfully while reaching to hold his tail around the front. "Longs as it looks cute with my summer side," his right ear flicked gesturing towards the shave side, "I wanna see it. Umm, my hair might be a bit knotted by now. Moving it around and my tail swishing at times makes keeping the length a bit of a chore."

 

[Tirin Raene]

Jin'lian

Tirin smiled gently, offering, "Why don't we start with something simple today? I'll show you how to do a basic three-strand braid, and we can tackle more complex styles later." He reached for his tools confidently. "I have a comb and some detangler here as well," he added, ensuring everything was prepared.

As he sorted through his supplies, Tirin's curiosity piqued. He looked at the young padawan and asked, "How old are you, little one?" His tone was warm, tinged with interest as he thought about which styles would be most suitable for a padawan's braid.

 

[Jin'lian]

Tirin Raene
​

Jin nodded at the offer, "Okay," he warmly said sitting patiently. "I can't wait to see what it looks like." Hearing there was a detangler, Jin's ears flicked at the concept of such a brush. Somehow they felt silly to not consider such a thing and had struggled each morning. Certainly there where many things not just the force to learn.

Tirin, surprised Jin by his next question especially after the countless times he'd been warned not to ask that question. "I'm thirteen," Jin said smiling, "I was told it's rude to ask that question by the people in the temple." Partly turning to look over his shoulder, he looked at the man. "But since you asked me, how old are you master?"

 

[Tirin Raene]

Jin'lian
"Thank you. Knowing your age helps me decide if I need to give you a specific band," Tirin stated matter-of-factly as he carefully combed through the hair, using a detangler and a spray that emitted a sweet citrus scent.

"That makes sense in some cases," he continued, smoothing out a tangle. "Asking someone's age can be tricky, though. In a professional setting, it's often best avoided since it can seem discriminatory, especially if it influences decisions about hiring or promotions. Even in social settings or casual conversations, it can make people uncomfortable. Generally, if it's not directly relevant, it's better not to ask. Many cultures also view it as impolite, particularly when asking older individuals. It's usually safest to wait until someone offers that information if they deem it necessary or are comfortable sharing."

Tirin paused his work, meeting the eyes of his companion in the mirror. "It's generally acceptable, however, to ask the age of a child when the context requires it. For instance, knowing a child's age helps adults ensure they engage in age-appropriate activities, or it might be necessary to determine the kind of care or supervision they need. Teachers, caregivers, and healthcare professionals often need this information to perform their roles effectively. Still, like any personal question, it should be asked respectfully and for a clear reason."

"If it seems your early education missed imparting the finer points of etiquette, I'd be glad to help polish those skills," Tirin added with a slight smile. "It's imperative to be well-prepared, especially around dignitaries. Saying something inappropriate could lead to an awkward situation, possibly forcing me to take actions on their behalf, actions dictated by their culture. We wouldn't want that, would we?"

 

[Jin'lian]

Tirin Raene
​

"A specific band?" He asked confused by the meaning. It was a second after the smell from the spray filled his nose. "Mmmm that smells nice," he would continue to smell at the air while feeling the brush run through the length of his hair. Each pass hit a snag where hair had knotted, it hurt a little but it was something that Jin'lian had grown accustomed to. The kid listened to Tirin as he spoke in length and Jin could see the sense in what was being said.

The Cattari's eyes watched through the mirrors at what their Master was doing. Just by how the man's hands moved it was obvious Tirin had done this many times before. Still the kid could not help but feel a little surprised at the idea of meeting anyone as fancy as a dignitary or anyone so important. "Well I'm not big awkward situations in the first place and I think I'm careful generally on what to say. Though because your my master it means I get to ask lots of questions now. Like wanting to know your age."

It then hit Jin that perhaps giving a reason why could also help perhaps. "Just, I like to write lots down in my diary's. And yes I know its weird to have more than one but there's many important things to write down. Also your birthday would be amazing to know too, I mean if you know it. I don't know mine so we've always gone by the day I was left at the temple." Despite those last words sounding kind of sad, his tone of voice did not waver over the fact. After all there was no attachment to what could have been or was, the jedi was his family. Some times grouchy or excitable or... well there was every kind.

 

[Tirin Raene]

Jin'lian
Tirin chuckled softly, his hands deftly continuing their work on Jin'lian's hair. "Well, Jin," he began, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and thoughtfulness, "I appreciate your curiosity and your reasons for asking. It's good to see such enthusiasm for learning about others. It helps build connections and understanding, which are vital for a Jedi."

He paused for a moment, ensuring a knot was gently untangled before continuing. "As for my age, I'm 347 years old. My birthday is on the 19th of Roon, a date that usually passes quietly. I've found that the older one gets, the less one tends to celebrate these occasions with pomp. Instead, I prefer a moment of quiet reflection."

Tirin secured a section of Jin'lian's hair with a small, intricately designed band. "And you're right about asking questions because I'm your master," he said with a warm smile. "It's part of my duty to guide you, not only in the ways of the Force but in navigating all aspects of life."

Finishing the braid, he added, "Now, how does that look?" Tirin gestured towards the mirror, inviting Jin'lian to see the completed braid.

 

[Jin'lian]

​

Upon hearing his answer the kid looked surprised. "Woahhh three hundred and forty seven. You must have seen so many things and have lots of experiences," Jin said amazed at the vastness of lessons he may receive. "Well I will remember that. I've never had any big celebration. Me , Talan, Seraph and Nari would share sweets and drink tea or hot chocolate at night on our birthdays. So be prepared for that."

Watching through the mirror, the Cattari kept a close eye on how Tirin was parting the hair and weaving it together as one. "I look forward to learning from your wisdom and teachings Master. I'll be sure to have lots of questions too when I am a little settled in. I think everything is settling in slowly in my head but I have been on full steam."

Though Jin was paying attention, Tirin's hands moved to deftly to comprehend fully how fast the man had braided the hair so quick. "I love it Master. Thank you. It looks cute." The kid turned his head showing a happy smile. "So, uhh. I suppose soon is better than later for this question. Do you have any rule I have to follow?"

 

[Tirin Raene]

"Absolutely, I'd be delighted to; And as a matter of fact yes. " Tirin chirped with infectious enthusiasm, reaching into his robes and producing a small booklet. "In fact, I'd like you to begin a notebook journal, and carefully transcribe each rule into it with neat handwriting. Occasionally, I might modify, add, or refine these rules, and I expect you to incorporate those changes clearly into your journal for future reference. Tomorrow morning, I'll quiz you on these rules to ensure they're firmly ingrained. And remember, Jin'lian , it will be your responsibility to add any new rules that I dictate to this list. Consider it a test of your diligence and commitment to our cause. Your attention to detail in maintaining this journal will be crucial for our success."

 

[Jin'lian]

Tirin Raene
​

Jin'lian took hold of the booklet that Tirin handed. As Master spoke the Cattari began to flip through the pages scanning them. Just at a glance most seemed reasonable, however in a matter of seconds in a flurry of words, the child felt daunted by the task already being placed onto their shoulders. "W-www-wait... you want me to remember this by tomorrow?" He asked in a very puzzled tone and spun around to look the man in the eyes.

Continuing to go through them, sure there were some that would be easy to remember, quite a few lined up as general health and safety. Yet there where rules that Jin did not even consider there to be a rule for. "I umm, I don't think can memorize things like this kind of list so quickly. As for adding these rules into a Journal, is a digital Journal acceptable instead? I can still do it as handwriting!" His voice raised a little as the thought came across that it probably sounded like excuses. "I mean if rules are going to change and alter it would keep things more organized. If it went into a paper one, it would become frustrating for me because it would become crowded and messy with alterations."

 

[Tirin Raene]

Jin'lian
Tirin grinned, amusement twinkling in their eyes. "Just give it your all. Consider this a benchmark test to gauge your adaptability. Oh, and yes, you'll be jotting down your thoughts in a written journal I'll supply. No digital entries allowed this time," Tirin asserted plainly. "Just give it your best shot. You can pace yourself, and tomorrow morning, I'll see how much you recall. There are no repercussions for incomplete entries, but completing the journal earns you rewards. Remember everything, and there might be an extra bonus."

 

[Jin'lian]

Tirin Raene​

He nodded as the encouraging words were spoken and was willing to always do their best at anything. Still it was not going to be an easy task. Their ears even dipped down slightly unhappy about doing it digitally even if it was in handwriting. Messy journals and diaries were the worst. Just thinking about Nari's, how writing was squeezed in here there and everywhere. It was chaos, pure chaos and so hard to read.

"So not only do I have to memorize these rules but gotta work out a way to write these in so it does not become a book for kindling after one revision. I really should not have asked about rules today. At least the temple gave a week for this kind of task," Jin'lian thought as his tail shifted involenterry. "There are some things in here that, uhmm, confuse me a little. Like these ones." The kid pointed to a set or ruled that felt a very strange. "I am curious why I have to ask to make friends? also I find training is better with partners. I don't quite understand."

 

[Tirin Raene]

Jin'lian

Tirin chuckled softly at that. "A romantic partner implies the chance of reproduction, and we don't want that for such young individuals. We also want to monitor who you are with and who you intend to make such bonds with. You're young, and we don't want you getting hurt. We will vet whomever you have interest in first and see if they will treat you in an appropriate manner for your age. All the rules that are made exist for a reason. The real reasons rules are made are to keep people safe and cared for. Rules should have this in mind to be good rules. I try not to have rules just to impose my will or dictate my power. My position is one of trust and care. My rules should reflect that be be set to protect you. There is reason and thought put behind their creation. Sometimes things change, and situations can be altered. Until you're old enough and wise enough to recognize what's safe and what's not safe, these rules will remain firmly in place. Do I make myself clearly understood to you?"

 

[Jin'lian]

​

After the first few words the boys face became a little flushed from embarrassment. "Oh how much I misunderstood the meaning," he thought while listening to his master keep talking. Honestly Jin wanted to stop Tirin but now it was to awkward and so waited till the end with a spinning head. "I... understand! I did not take romantic partners into consideration, thought it was more literal," They said bashfully avoiding eye contact now.

"I'll urm save other questions about the rules till tomorrow, and urm... maybe other questions."

Taking a second to breath he made eye contact again. Their hand would pull the long plaited hair around feeling the bumps of the pattern of it weaving in and out. "Master, could you show me to the cockpit to watch us go up when it's time?"

 

[Tirin Raene]

Jin'lian

"Very well... we can go over anything you have questions about later on. " Tirin assured. " Yes I wouldn't mind showing you. We'll have to make sure you can fly this ship as well soon enough. " Tirin assured. He reached out and offered Jin's head a soft affectionate pet to the top and gently scritched behind an ear.