Private Always Learning

[Kaleleon]

About a week ago, i had been called back from my duties of being a Wayseeker. A request to report to the Jedi Temple so that I might be given a new task. I didn't quite know what I would be doing, but I had a feeling it was part of being knighted right before the battle of Coruscant. I still remember it. Just Valery, and myself in the chamber. A promise I had given them to aid the Jedi Order. After having so many problems with my past, I felt like all of what I had done had finally paid off. That it was meaning something to someone other than myself. Yet, there has not been much I have done since then. Mostly returning to my regular duties of scouring the galaxy to "help the little guys." Just going from the various academies, and temples, helping out here or there was about as much of my rank was used for as a knight.

So this sudden change in what I would be doing, made me really question if I was going to be given a Padawan this early. Normally one had to go through quite a lot before being trusted with such a responsibility. My case was a little different though.

I didn't shave, but I did trim it nicely. Dressed and presented myself as cleanly as I could. As of late, been kind of liking the small beard I had been growing. Not much of one with my baby face, but it was there. Dressed in my Jedi-jumpsuit, but with robes over the top of it to look more formal and official. It felt weird to be wearing it again. Also not having some kind of blaster or other unconventional Jedi weapon on me. However, I did have both of my sabers with me. As customary of being here at the temple, I thought I would carry both. One of being a Padawan and learning all through my own life, and the other a symbol of my knighthood. Both held me well in combat, and reminded me of how far I myself have come.

Now, it looked like I would be passing that to someone else.

It was a very short meeting. Didn't meet with the council, but just an officiator who handed me a tablet that had the information I needed. One of the newer Padawans, Arhiia Voronwe. Having a family that was already tied to the Jedi, and having been inducted recently. She was rather young compared to others I had worked with. Fifteen galactic standard, but with her test scores and ability, she looked to be very capable at a younger age. However, it also noted that she was, "Aggressive and combative." Which just made me smile a little as I walked through the halls taking glances at the information. She had been very much like myself at a younger age. Running away from home to "find myself" and to do what I wanted. However, sometimes these reports could be written by someone who is not used to a student, or younger individual who had an older mind, or a more mature situation.

I guess that is why they gave me her profile. A taste of my own meds if it were anything less. Val and Kahlil both knew I was open about my thoughts on the Jedi and how it was operated. Which is why they could trust me and the words I spoke to them. However, they also knew the lesson I learned about jumping the gun a little too much. Maybe the reason I was given this assignment, was to give that same lesson to someone else in a different way? I wouldn't question it. Instead, go headlong into the teaching and mentorship.

Having stopped one of the other students about where Arhiia would be at, I was pointed in the direction of the library. Their notation was "Likely neck deep into readings." Which made me think about her position a little more. Was she just very forward about her training? or a bookworm who enjoyed the aspect of reading? I'd ask that later. Walking inside the library, I walked to the front desk and inquired about the student. Librarian pointed her out for me. A blonde young woman who was nearly engrossed into a reading session it seemed. I closed the distance and gently placed a hand on the table before tapping it to garner her attention.

"Excuse me, Are you padawan learner Arhiia Voronwe?"

Arhiia Voronwe

 

[Arhiia Voronwe]

Kaleleon ​

It was the day... the day she had to meet with a Master.

Waking up as she normally did, long before her alarm would awaken her -- she moved silently through her quarters as she got dressed. Her mind -- as organized as her quarters were, ran through what she assumed the day would go. Now -- to be clear, its not that Arhiia wasn't excited at the prospect of a Master choosing her as an apprentice, especially the one that she was to meet with today... But to this point, no one had moved farther than just a talk. Now, in regards to this particular meeting -- even her Father had been woefully blindsided as the summons by the council came -- they had chosen someone, more befitting of her personality for her to meet with.

As she dressed herself in her usual attire, she walked towards the door, slipping her jacket on -- slung her book filled satchel over her shoulders and paused... her intense sapphire eyes looking around her living quarters, ensuring everything was off and put away.

Turning back around, the doors would open with a soft 'hiss' and then close.

As she came down the halls and bee-lined into the Archives, she peered over at the chronometer... she still had time before the meeting, which gave her the perfect excuse to sit down and finish the book she'd been reading on other cultures governing practices... the title sounded boring -- but it was actually a pretty good read.

This is were things went a bit off track.

Being one of order and careful consideration -- Arhiia was taken back by surprise when an older male approached her tranquil corner of the Archives and disturbed her quiet time. As she felt the tap on her shoulder, she turned around to face him, her blue eyes intensely looking him over. He wasn't a Padawan... that much she could tell. Looking down at his two lightsaber's that hung from his belt loop, she thought it curious that he should have two, not that dual wielding hadn't ever been heard of before... but clearly, he must be a Knight Level or higher.

Realization set in as he asked if she was Arhiia.

Had she over read? Was this the summons? Her eyes widening just slightly, only to dull back down as she simply nodded slowly, her soft soprano voice chiming out into the air. "Yes... I am her." She paused as an answer clearly lingered in her eyes, only for it to be asked immediately following. "Is there any particular reason your searching for me? Perhaps... looking for me in regards to a summons? if so -- I'm fairly positive it wasn't yet time for it... had I known you wanted to meet earlier... I would have been more, prompt."

She was intuitive, precise and incredibly short and to the point when she talked, but behind it all, her intense, blue eyes showed a loneliness of sorts -- something that stemmed deeper than a surface level mask.

 

[Kaleleon]

She was cold and answering with questions. Rightly so. There was no problem with such being posed before me. It was the aspect of stating she would have been able to meet me at the designated time that was given to her had she known. A small smirk formed upon my face. An open hand indicating the chair across from her, I sat down and faced her. Placing the tablet down upon the table and closing it. Letting the screen darken while I sat up in the seat. Moving myself to answer her.

"You were supposed to be summoned to meet with your new mentor. Which is myself. However, I opted to find you and meet you in a less, um, traditional setting. I am not a formal person by nature."

Leaning a little forward, leading the conversation on to what the topic was at hand.

"I am Kaleleon. Jedi Knight who has been given your file to take on the task of teaching, leading, and mentoring you in the aspects of the Jedi and all that falls under it. I would like to say that this is a choice for you, however with how I was given this task, I feel the council members, specifically want me to be your mentor, and not someone else that would not perform the task adequately."

She had been held hostage by the reading. I am sure that it must have been a good story or enthralling to do so. No blame fell upon her shoulders. I have my own vices in which I indulge every so often. While it would be taking apart machinery or building something with my hands, it was still a guilty pleasure where I would lose track of time and find out it had been hours later before I "resurfaced." However now, while I was attempting to be as informal as possible, it was still important to have this conversation.

"With that in mind, I know some about you. Just whatever was on your file. However, I need to know who you are as a person face to face. A report of an action, does not have all sides of the story, nor does it wholly have the truth. So, the first question I want answered. Why do you want to be a Jedi Knight?"

Arhiia Voronwe

 

[Arhiia Voronwe]

Tag: Kaleleon ​

At the mention that she hadn’t been late, but rather he had sought her out to make it less formal, the young girl relaxed as she began to breathe once again, her piercing blue eyes never once leaving him.

She liked him already.

Her whole life she’d felt bound by duty, honor and to pleasing or doing as others required of her, but yet standing before her was Knight Kaleleon giving her a choice — not demanding an answer but actually wanting to hear what she thought. She felt acknowledged and internally he already had her respect.

Curious however — curious to think that the council felt that he would be a compatible fit for her. What did that implication mean exactly? Was he like her? Was he opposite to her so it was more of a two halves one whole type of deal? Still yet, her calculating sapphire eyes remained on him, an emotional depth seen swirling at the surface.

As she had sat and listened intently, never once breaking eye contact, she kept a poised and rigid posture, her hands neatly folded in her laps. Clearing her throat, her right hand coming up and politely covering it, her soft soprano voice chimed in the quiet archive atmosphere, just above a whisper.

“At first I didn’t want to be a knight — it was something I was pushed to do.” She paused, an edge in her tone as she raised her eyebrow. “You asked for honesty — however — as I began to train and learn I realized the depths of what I could do to benefit those without a voice, those that need protection.” Pausing once more, she began again, always being precise in the way she articulated her words. “While I am be… tenacious in sparring, I seek to end conflict through our greatest form — Form Zero as a Counsular. It’s not always brute strength that’s needed, through the force I am and can be all things.”

Raising her hand slightly as a self-satisfied grin curled in her lips, the most genuine emotion she’d showed thus far. “That’s not to say I don’t enjoy a good sparing match — or fight. I may not be some muscle bond jock, but — I’ll put up a good fight… guaranteed.”

Arhiia was complicated. She didn’t mean to be distant or cold, but it was hard to open herself up to others — mainly for fear of being rejected or not being enough… for as she’d found out early in life, the shadow of her father was big and ever looming… but it was the shadow of her mother that hung heavy on her mind and very soul.

 

[Kaleleon]

Relaxing as I spoke to her, the non-verbal communication she presented me with was more open to previous moments before. Her words softly spoken, as though it was a bad thing that she had been told she would be a Jedi. Or at least, that is what it seemed like to me. Yet from that, she did learn of having the strength to help those, and thus felt to provide a voice to those who were voiceless. Nearly the same as what I had been taught by my own father years and years ago. That a man is guilty of all the good he did not do. The same sentiment was there. For now, I would leave it alone and not ask any more further questions. As that resolve, WILL, be tested later.

Her words continued. Wishing to learn more of Form Zero, or essentially, to fight without fighting. To end a conflict before it had began. It was a very noble form in which many Jedi had problems with in the past. Even my own master and mentors preferred to take a much more active route. Form Zero is also the most difficult "lightsaber form" to learn. As it requires guile, knowledge, and wisdom beyond what one may expect initially. So seeing that she sought this route, shows her willingness to go the distance.

What made me smirk in return with her own, is the prospect that she was a good fighter when needed. Putting up a good fight. That much I understood well. First hand experience in wars, and conflict changes how much you actually do know about fighting. Sparring is one thing. Rules, limitations. So of course, I had the notion that we will have to wait and see if she really could handle herself in such a scenario. Which would be my job. Preparing her for both war, and peace. Still remembering the old turn of phrase from my homeworld. "You can only make Dragonslayers in times of Dragons." Meaning that the only way you can truly make a capable fighter, warrior or whatever, is by having them go through it.

"Providing aid to those who may be unable to do so is a worthy cause, but that is what everyone does here. I do, Master Noble does it. So, don't answer this question. Because I want you to really think about it over time. And answer when you have the right answer. Mind you, many don't know this answer until they have become a Master of the force."

Leaning forward, I kept my voice low, but in a serious tone of the question.

"What drives you personally? What fuels the reasoning for all of this?"

Leaning back, I waved the question away as though it did not just transpire.

"Either way, Good job on your desire to learn Form Zero. Difficult form, but one well worth the time investment. You say you are good with a saber, but what forms do you use typically? More offensive and oppressive? or defensive and seeking for that one moment to make your shot count?"

Before she could answer, I held up a finger as though I remembered something.

"Ah, and how well do you use the force in conjunction with your combat? Preferred powers?"

Arhiia Voronwe

 

[Arhiia Voronwe]

Tag: Kaleleon ​

What an odd thing to say.

Ask a question, but don't answer the question -- rather, internalize the question.

Of course she knew what drove her and made her want to be a Jedi Consular. It was her drive to prove her Father wrong -- well, not totally. Arhiia her whole life, until recently, felt like her voice held no power... when in actuality it was her greatest power -- this was the true reason. Arhiia wanted her voice to be used to the benefit of others -- whether it was a strong, well placed word to help make a treaty, or like the crack of a whip, a well placed and sharp word to cause a bully to back off.

She would master Form Zero -- but then, only then, if it failed, would she negotiate aggressively.

When he asked her about her usual form, she replied quickly. "I utilize form III and V most frequently." Taking a small pause she cleared her throat. "I often wait and allow my oppnenet to wear themselves out, or, goad them on into attacking and using their own strength against them. Form Zero isn't just limited to non-combatitive opportunities, I find If I use my words into manipulating them into anger, it causes several mistakes on their end."

"Force Feats? In regards to the force -- as I said earlier in my sentiments. I can do all things through the force and by the force." It was true -- the force was the one thing she felt the most comfortable using. Whether it was persuading, moving, pulling, pushing -- a variety of things, her larger than life insides just hadn't caught up to the outisdes.

 

[Kaleleon]

She took a moment to ponder the question presented to her. And honestly, that is what I wanted. Your reasoning for whatever you wanted to accomplish, could always change. It could become something so much greater once there was a little bit of a deeper introspection. All Jedi should practice it. I wanted to be a Jedi in many different ways. For many different reasons. Each one evolving over time into becoming what I am today. To understand and mature to a process of doing more. For being a young woman, she had a good head on her shoulders. A good start compared to others I have seen in the past.

She moved on from that to answer my other question. Her fighting style. A mix of Soresu, and Shien, or Djem So. A very defensive combination of having very little movement, until the counter to an opponent. Which funny enough, was the very same combination I used. However, with my training in conventional swords, as well as the second saber I had, It was much closer to a Niman style where I had multiple inspirations from Shii-Cho, Soresu, Ataru, and Djem So. Having a healthy mix of a bunch of different things so then if the need arose, I was capable. So I could very much see how some would consider her a capable fighter. If only because she didn't fatigue as fast, and could counter anything you threw at her.

I knew this all too well.

More over, her force techniques were seeming to be a Jack of all trades. One where she was capable enough in most of the easier teachings, as well as whatever was necessary at the time. A good way to go with how she had been thus far. Better to learn a number of what is needed, then find a specialization that worked well with your saber combat.

"So you find combat in a way of avoiding or parrying opponents, then striking at their disadvantage. Good. It is a very solid foundation for combat."

Taking a moment to think, Her words of being a Consular did not go over my head. A mix of whatever tools was necessary to achieve the goal. Words, the Pen, force, and the saber last. Aiding allies, or otherwise using her advantage to gain whatever she may needed. Unlike myself who was more of a Guardian, or Sentinel. It was starting to piece together why I was given her files.

"From what I can see in your files, as well as what you have told me, I feel like I know why you were given to me."

A deep breath in, to exhale it in a very relaxed state. Leaning back into my chair, letting my boots fling themselves onto the table with my hands supporting my head from behind. Lounging in the chair at the library.

"I have asked the questions I wanted. I have a feeling I know what is going to happen. However, do you have any questions for me you want answered?"

Arhiia Voronwe

 

[Arhiia Voronwe]

Kaleleon ​

He seemed... pleased with her answer, thrilled in fact that her foundation had been firmly built and maintained. Somehow, this pleased her deeply feeling his approval as a small smile crept across her lips -- it was nice to feel recognized for what she'd been able to accomplish thus far by herself through careful study.

Once again, Kal asked her if there was anything else she desired to know, or gain from their time, her sapphire eyes full of intrigue.

Her eyes narrowed as she once again thought about what she truly desired -- one word coming to play in her mind... that was strength. She wanted the strength that came with a body that could keep up with her abilities, she wanted her outward appearance to reflect the inner tenacity and ferociousness that others saw in her.

"I want to be strong... I want to be fully capable in battle. I want to not be sent to the infirmary every time I train because my body isn't up to par with my skills... I want to be someone others can count on, someone others look to for leadership in trying times Master Kal. I want to fill a purpose and be fulfilled. I guess if I had to make it into a question it'd be this -- Can you help make me physically stronger?"

She paused as her eyes met with his, clear determination written in them.

"If chosen, I want to be able to make you proud -- proud of your choice in me..."

Her words were sincere and her actions thus far met with them. Arhiia for so long had felt, overlooked -- moved around like a pawn in a game of chess and as she sat locked in conversation with Kal, it was the first time she'd sincerely felt questioned, challenged and motivated.

She sat awaiting his response rather anxiously to her surprise.

 

[Kaleleon]

Physically stronger. To be able to go all out, without making yourself tired, or fatigued. I smiled at that a little while leaning back in the chair. Sure that was possible. Yet, that goal was one that would take time. Strength had many aspects in which one could improve. Knowing your limits and attempting to break them, or just learning those limits and working within them to become better within those. However, being physically stronger, was sometimes not always the solution. One which it looks like I will have to teach her the hard way. Which, was honestly, the best way to do so.

What caught me off guard, was the addition. She wanted me to be proud of her. Proud of my choice in taking her on as my apprentice. My smile slipped away. A bad habit of mine came up again with me literally biting my tongue for a moment before looking back to the young woman. She wanted affirmation. She wanted to feel like she had been worth the choice. Something I felt deep within my own core was wanting to expose itself now for her, but that would likely be a later situation.

"I will be choosing you as my apprentice."

I let my legs slip away from the table and moving forward. The momentum of falling forward in the chair, I stood up. Reaching down to swipe the tablet from the table and holding onto it. The screen came up with various pages that I flicked through. Rapid fire answers to questions were presented to me on it. Speeding through them, I then sat it back down and turned it around. The last page was there. Requiring a signature of consent.

"Should you want to become my apprentice, officially, then sign here."

Pushing the pad towards her, it slid across the table to be directly in front of her. The blue projection from the pad before her. Written out full name and including my own signature on it. Showing that I already had signed off on this for my end.

"Padawan Arhiia."

Arhiia Voronwe

 

[Arhiia Voronwe]

Tags: Kaleleon
Location: Archives
Objective: Meeting


​

The area around them seemed to come to a dead halt as her breath caught in her throat.

He... was choosing her?

The gravity of this began to sit in as she realized this wasn't a dream or cruel joke - he genuinely wanted to pick her, to become his Padawan Learner. Her intense sapphire eyes gleamed as she peered down at the datapad that Kale slid across the table. For an iota, out of sheer gut reaction, she wanted to reach across and swipe it quickly out of sheer thrill and excitement, but like all things, her mind refocused and she sat there, slowly extending her hand and taking the data pad. As she held it and looked down at it, a small smile crept upon her face.

This was it... it was really it.

Fate had decided and found the right Master for her and as she began to sign it, a sense of adventure began to set in. Whatever paths less traveled lie before her, she wanted to take. Whatever road was longest, and hardest -- she'd go for in it there was the old ways... she was now on her Path to becoming a Jedi.

As she finished signing the data pad, her hand came up as she moved strands of her brilliant platinum blonde hair from her face and now smiling genuinely she spoke with respect as she stood and bowed. "Master Kaleleon.... thank you. I promise I will commit all that I am to learning what you have to pass onto me and constantly striving to improving myself."

​

 

[Kaleleon]

The elation, and happiness flowed from her. Not just visibly as she was trying her damnedest to control the outward appearance of such. It was also the waves I could feel of through the empathy radiating from her that she wanted nothing more than to just rush through this. It was extremely difficult to not also break out in a smile as she went through the pad and finally signed her consent on the form. Once she had done so, I took it and sent it to the files that the keepers and aids of the council would receive that I had taken her as my apprentice.

Her words of wanting to strive to do her best. I lost it and started to chuckle a little bit at her pure joy and willingness to be an apprentice. It reminded me of a time in which I had been the same. Seeing the adventure ahead with my own master years ago. Oh how to have that feeling crop up again made me really see her as a younger version of myself. Knowing the pain and troubles I went through to prove myself to my own master Romi Jade.

"Keep that feeling you have. Catalog it away and use this for your future, Apprentice Arhiia. You have a long road ahead of you. One that is not easily traveled. But, I will be here to aid, support and train you. Prepare you for that road. As I have already done that process twice now."

I took the pad and shoved it into the pouch at the small of my back. Zipping it up to make sure that whatever happened, it wouldn't just be forgotten or fall out.

"So, a question for you. Do you want your first lesson now, impromptu, or later when I can get something more narrowed down for you?"

Arhiia Voronwe

 

[Arhiia Voronwe]

Tags: Kaleleon
Location: Archives
Objective: Meeting | Impromptu Lesson


​

She would keep this feeling and fan the ember that now smoldered and smoked and coax it into a blazing wildfire.

As Arhiia stared at Kale, she smirked slightly as he chuckled with her... the support to walk the road and trials ahead, and he'd be there with a light to guide the way -- and he'd be the one to help her grow... this was more than she'd ever expect or thought this moment would be, it was perfect. Her relationship with her Father here as of lately had been... improving, significantly since her visit with her Uncle Kel -- and as she sat back down now in front of her Master Kale, she was excited to tell her Father of todays events.

An impromptu lesson?

She was a fan of structure -- but maybe, maybe that needed to change. Perhaps, more spontaneity would do her good... after all, there was no time like the present.

"I would very much like to do a lesson now, if you have time... Master."

It felt... foreign to utter those words from her lips, but at the same time, it felt right -- another smirk curling up on her lips as she stared at Kale.

 

[Kaleleon]

She wanted a lesson now. I could feel the emotions from her. Questioning, confused, but willing. The aura she gave off was one that I could easily see. While her mind was steeled against any light prying, her emotions were laid bare. Her feelings open and shown to a high degree. Even if she attempted to hide them, there was the sign it was showing the true emotions beneath her. She was unsure, and nervous, but was excited and willing to put a good foot forward in her training. Her path to take.

The smile I had slowly lowered to just a relaxed frame. Breathing the new air and emotions she gave off.

"I believe I have just the lesson for you. Come meet me at the training room in thirty minutes? You will not need to bring anything but your saber."

Looking at her for one last moment, really getting a look at how eager she was, The smile came back.

"I have a good feeling about this."

---------------------------------------------------​

About thirty minute later, I stood in a rather small room. An enclosed space in which could feasibly be used as a lightsaber training. I had not changed or done anything different with myself. Just preparing myself and the equipment that was in the room. Some basic training droids and the like were here. Many had been used to such a degree, I am sure some of them may not have functioned much anymore. However, it had just what I needed. A space to teach her, and to make her own.

As she entered the room, I looked up from where I was sitting crossed legged. Indicating for her to do the same.

"Before we really begin, any questions?"


Arhiia Voronwe