I, Jedi (Illyria Sol Rhia)

[WolfMortum]

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The Silver Rest,​

Silver Jedi Temple of Kashyyyk.​

[member="Illyria Sol Rhia"]​

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[member="Illyria Sol Rhia"] had been with the Order of the Silver Jedi for six months now, and following a few shared details as to her former mentors demise, Veiere Arenais had stepped forward to continue her training under his tutelage with the approval of the Silver Assembly. From his understanding, the young woman was born and raised upon the world of Hapes, of the House Sol Rhia similar to the House Arenais in that it was of nobility. The Jedi Master had met several others from Illyria's homeworld, though he had never been there himself, nor had Veiere the likely pleasure of having met her former tutor, Anderi Fel; None the less, he had felt sympathetic for the girl, who had lost a dear friend and mentor all the same.

Today, Veiere stood within the courtyard of the Silver Rest, just shy of the entrance to the Jedi Temple where he awaited the company of his newest student. Over the last few months, Veiere had encouraged Illyria to attend regular lessons held by the other mentors of the Order, taking up lessons in that which interested her the most as well as regular visits to the Archives in order to catch herself up with any current affairs or studies that she had otherwise slipped away from since her transition from Hapes to Kashyyyk. It was important to him, that Illyria be given a grace period in which she could learn to find her place within the Order, to meet some new young like-minded students and to adapt to the changing schedules that she no doubt lacked back home. It had also given Veiere the much needed time to recover after the incident on Azure, as well as his personal familial ties that needed mending.

Over the Holonet, Illyria's Comport account would have received a private message from her Master, written from his datapad and sent away in request that she join him for a personal session for the day. For the time being, he hadn't planned anything specific, though felt the need to build upon their relationship and better get to know one another if she were to accompany him off-world and into probable dangerous situations given his line of work. He also wished to learn more about what made her tick, what motivated her to be a Jedi and the skills she wished to build upon most.

 

[Illyria Sol Rhia]

Crisp late morning air slowly inflated her lungs, oxygen rich from the overwhelming green of Kashyyyk a relaxing comforter from the anxieties that premeditated the new chapter in her life. Ever since she was little, she found peace in the air of Kashyyyk, even in the depths of its Shadow Lands, and today was no different as the padawan began wrapping up her morning exercises. Tucked away in the corner of the courtyard the young woman sat cross-legged in a meditative position, lightsaber hovering before her sightline, though her eyes were closed for this exercise. Meditation was not uncommon here at the Jedi temple, and she was no exception, serving as the bookend in her morning workout.

Hair loosely draping her bare soldiers, her near-white Jedi undertunic sleeveless and brushing the top of her thighs, tan cloth pants a loose fit, her utility belt wrapped around her waist and currently barefoot. It was not often she wore her Silver Jedi robes, preferring the leather outfit gifted to her by her prior master, but Illyria at least appropriated some of the robes as a workout attire. So that she would not stick out unnecessarily.

The hilt of her double-bladed lightsaber coming to a sudden halt and then tumble as her eyes opened suddenly, Veiere’s presence having now become apparent to her as he stood amid the Silver Rest courtyard, her own presence undoubtedly apparent to him as well. Normally she would not have chosen the courtyard as her workout area, but Illyria had received his message. Standing to her full height, her right-hand flicking in a beckoning motion, the lightsaber in a burst of movement was telekinetically pulled into her hand as she then clipped it back onto her belt.

The last few months a whirlwind of attending public classes, meeting other Jedi, explaining that she had been trained in solitude and that she wasn’t new to the Order despite very few recognizing her, and overcoming an ever-increasing desire for solitude. It was not easy going from seeing one person for sixteen years and then abruptly being thrust back into civilization – at least what felt like civilization to her. But the call to meet her new master privately filled her with anticipation, almost relief, a little voice of doubt in the back of her mind that worried she would never experience more of what the galaxy had to offer. That she wouldn’t be of use to anyone. Much of the time she couldn’t tell what excited her more: being able to help the defenseless, or simply exploring the galaxy.

Brushing away the tinge of disappointment in herself as a result of her selfishness – at least what she was concerned was selfishness – Illyria rounded the corner of the isolated spot she had hidden away in and swiftly spotted Veiere waiting nearby. With her approach she gave a slight bow of her head, “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting, master.” And with that her body-language softened into something significantly more relaxed. “Wanted to get my morning routine in.”

[member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting, master. ​

“Wanted to get my morning routine in.”​

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Smiling, and lowering his gaze in return offering a slight bow of his head, Veiere returned the greeting with a dismissive wave in response to her apology; "You haven't, no. And I wouldn't be one to complain if you had, for the sake of your training routine" he informed her upon a gentle tone, feeling encouraged to hear that his newest student took pride in her training and held herself to a standard fitting for one in her position. These past six months had moved by all too quickly, and with his duties being back and fourth between the Silver Rest and the greater galaxy following his recovery, there was a good deal the pair still lacked where their relationship as a Mentor and Padawan were concerned.

Judging by [member="Illyria Sol Rhia"]'s attire, she'd been managing to find her way and received the standard issue robes handed down by the Order for all students whom called the Temple home. Unlike Veiere's Jedi Apparel, the standard issue Jedi Robes were simply that, yet with time and practice (or credits), one could easily look into gaining a more custom made set of robes and Jedi combat apparel for the sake of field assignments and the likelihood of needing the added protection. "You appear to be fitting in well...?" Veiere remarked, though with a slight questioning end to his words; it was easy to assume as much given the look of her, though wiser to double check and ensure that there weren't any major concerns or struggles that Illyria had been contending with.

Motioning for Illyria to accompany him, Veiere moved to one of the nearby benches situated alongside the pond in the center of the courtyard and gestured for his Padawan to sit with him. It was a size-able waterbed sectioned off by a barrier of stone only rising shin-high, all smooth and finely crafted. Within the water there were a variety of fish and plant life, small amphibian critters that called the place home and gave the students who were bored enough, something to distract themselves with.

"How has life in the Temple been for you since you arrived?".

 

[Illyria Sol Rhia]

A quick nod accompanied a reassured smile at his response, happy to know that he was the more personable type, and that she needn’t be so stressed with meeting his exact specifications. In truth, six months had passed and yet she knew about as much as him as she did while attending the Healers during the Azure conflict. Much of the time she did not know how to act around him – if she needed to act at all – or if she be herself in its entirely with him. He was her mentor, her master, but she was not ignorant of his position in the Silver Jedi Order. Acknowledging it was, in a way, almost stressful. Eyes would be upon her and at times Illyria felt like she would have to prove herself worthy, especially given her sudden reappearance here at Silver Rest.

Yet she was aware these thoughts were born from someone simply wanting to be their best self, and that her self-judgments were not shared by those around her. The storm of thoughts brief as she mindfully pushed them aside, reinstating herself to the present.

“I have, yes. The Jedi here have all been lovely, though it’s all been a little overwhelming. But I’ve been reacquainted with some of the teachers that knew me as a youngling – which has been comforting.” Illyria did not feel like a total stranger upon her return to Silver Rest, the whims of an eccentric master having not completely alienated from the only group of people she has ever really known. A stark difference to that of her family, whom she only knew of, but that left someone feeling more lost than connected. More questions than answers. Often enough that feeling was a seemingly constant plight of the padawan, surrounded by walking beacons of wisdom and knowledge, as they stared ahead at an ocean’s worth of uncertainties. But then maybe that never really did change.

Following Veiere as he stepped towards a row of benches, the subtle sounds of the pond brought a small smile to her pale-pink lips once more, choosing instead to momentarily fascinate herself with the tiniest of amphibian creatures going about their day. His next question drawing the padawan’s attention back to him, “It’s a lot sunnier up here than the Shadowlands – which is a nice change. I don’t need to rely on the Force to see here.” Her home planet was bathed in never-ending sunlight and thus Illyria, a Hapan, could not physically see in low-light.

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[member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

The details surrounding [member="Illyria Sol Rhia"]'s past with the Order of the Silver Jedi were still something of a curiosity to Veiere, and something that he had planned to discuss with the Padawan when the time was right; unfortunately time had a habit of passing them by all too quickly and with his desire to see her first focus on falling back into the old routines and ways of life within the temple environment, that time had come much later than he had intended.

"I'm glad you're feeling a little more at home here with us now" He replied while nodding in response to what she had said, soon continuing to voice his wish for the day that remained ahead of them. "I imagine that it might feel like your continued training has been slow to proceed, but I've wanted you to find your place of comfort and own your renewed surroundings. It's important not to rush things when life offers you such a sudden and vast period of change such as yours has been, and I've no doubt that it's not been easy for you either" he looked to the younger woman, making eye contact with her and offering her something of a sympathetic expression.

"Today isn't going to be about your training or your classes, so much as it is to be about the two of us, and our role's that we'll both play in moving forward" Veiere explained. "Losing a mentor the way you have, it's a traumatic and harrowing experience. I will never seek to replace the role or relationship that you had with Master Fel, however, it's important that we get to know one another and over time, come to trust and confide in one another for your continued growth as an individual, and as a prospective Jedi Knight", Veiere knew that mentioning her late mentor would no doubt bring about mixed feelings within his new Padawan, potential turmoil or struggles that would take time to heal and recover from. It was important that he was honest with her in his expectations, but he also cared about the pace in which they were to proceed, and whether she would be ready to trust in another Mentor after having lost such a dear friend and role model so recently.

"How're you feeling at the moment, about all of this and about what happened on Azure?" He asked after a moments pause, "Everything we discuss, stays with us and I want you to know that you can be honest with me. It's better to speak your mind in moments such as these, times where we can speak freely, rather than bury your feelings or things you may be struggling with".

 

[Illyria Sol Rhia]

Choosing not to say anything in the midst of his initial sympathetic speech, the padawan merely nodded along, her attention briefly pulled away as the small amphibians neared her – and as one leapt atop her hand, now in a crouched position before them and the water. In truth, she was content with the speed of her training, his desire for her to reacquaint herself once again with Silver Rest and the Jedi here a proven correct one. She needed the time after her prior master had died. She needed time to readjust to a temple atmosphere. Even now, as slow as she had eased herself back into the habit of things, she could feel overwhelmed with just how many people were her. Just how little dangers there were.

The cold wet sensation of water abruptly hitting her open hand again stole her attention, watching as the amphibian that was momentarily in her hand was now again among its fellow creatures. With this she stood to her full height and walked over to the side of the bench Veiere was not occupying, seating herself, a leg crossed over the other as her attention returned to her master at the mention of her prior master. Illyria could not help but be conflicted in her emotions regarding her master. But as Veiere encouraged her to openly speak of her emotions, she took a moment to collect her thoughts, eyes trained on the ground before her before shifting back to eye contact with her master.

“Truthfully, I am not entirely sure how I feel. I miss him. I had known him longer than anyone else, and yet, I think I resented him a little. He was the one that took me from my family. Then he took me as his padawan. I spent the last few years alone in the Shadowlands with him, training, and while –“ with a flick of her wrist the lightsaber clipped to her belt was abruptly pulled just above her palm, now slowly floating in place. The lightsaber that had been given to her by Anderi, a basic temporary thing until she eventually constructed her own, a tool necessary to her survival in the Shadowlands. “— I am pretty good with my control of the Force and the wielding of a lightsaber; it was at the sacrifice of diplomacy. Socialization.”

A soft sigh escaped her, “I want to be more than just a tool. More than a weapon to be pointed at a target. He was a Jedi Shadow and he envisioned the same for me, and I think I resent him for that assumption. Which has left me feeling conflicted.” The lightsaber lowered into her hand and she physically re-clipped it back onto her belt, “Shortly after his passing I started to feel excited for the future, the prospect of shaping my own fate, but that has made me feel guilty because in a way I feel as if I am glad he died. But I miss him dearly. I just – do not miss his intentions.”

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[member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere listened and watched as [member="Illyria Sol Rhia"] drew her lightsaber with seemingly passive effort over her control in the Force, wielding the power and using it to levitate the tool before her with ease. Her training in the force was made obvious by the comfort in which she took in it's practice, though she also voiced upon the things that she felt she lacked and the Force was but one path of focus in their lives, despite being so incredibly vast and there still plenty unknown in how it guided and shaped their future and the Order itself.

"It's not wrong to be excited at the prospect of freedom and the chance to take control of your life, when you've never had it before. I'm going to guess that you'd feel this way, if say Master Fel had simply told you that he could no longer train you and sent you back to us" Veiere imagined, speaking his thoughts gently in sharing with the young woman. Her joy in taking control and being introduced to a wealth of new potential seemed to be clouding and perhaps distracting her from the grief that came with loss, and the mourning that followed and was healthy in the need to move forward from such times.

"To an extent, every mentor tends to push their students in a certain direction" he continued, speaking further on the subject of Anderi Fel and what Veiere believed could have been his motivations; "It's our responsibility to pass on all we know to our students. Our knowledge is influenced largely by the subjects and methods we were taught by our Masters, back when we ourselves were students", Veiere's views growing up had been hugely influenced by Andina Torsyn's teachings, and as a student being so impressionable in one's want to impress their mentors and progress in their training, it was easy to see the risks of how such a role-model could go astray. "It's a lot of responsibility to take on a Padawan, and the aim is for the student to take from our best while guiding them in learning to overcome their mistakes and failures over the years. While we are Jedi and do live a lift of training and self discipline, we're also still entirely sentient and flawed. We all make mistakes, and often it's how we learn best..." he chuckled quietly under his breath, shaking his head in thought of the number of mistakes he himself had made over the years.

"Did Anderi ever explain to you, his reasons for taking you away from your family?" Veiere asked curiously, glancing back to his Padawan; "Was it perhaps by their request to see you trained as a Jedi?".

 

[Illyria Sol Rhia]

Veiere’s words rung true to her, Illyria nodding along a physical manifestation of that agreement. Perhaps her resentment was not that she resented him but that she resented he had died, that a man who was her mentor for so long was now gone forever. Grief was complicated. After all, she was never required to become a Jedi Shadow like her master, only that she trained as one for a time – skills that she was relieved to possess. ”Maybe I just resent that he went off and died.” The shape her words took on were harsher than she intended, emotion shaking her voice slightly as she did say it, though it was grief instead of anger.

At her master’s next question Illyria quickly came to the realization that she made it sound as If he had snatched her away from her family. She knew that wasn’t the case. “Oh – no, I didn’t mean to suggest he took me against my will. If anything, he gave me a home afterwards.” A light smile crossed her lips at this point, brief reminders of her childhood flooding her, even as a padawan he went out of his way to foster an environment where they were more than just master and apprentice. “My mother made that decision. Maybe she thought having a Jedi-trained daughter would elevate the House,” realizing that she hadn’t actually revealed too much of her family to Veiere before this point she quickly explained, “oh, my family is regarded as nobility in the Hapes Consortium.”

There was virtually no way she would ever fall into the discussion of Queen Mother, not unless the entirety of the Hapan Royal House were to die. Then again, it was the Hapes Cosortium, assassination was practically a casual sport for the nobility. “Maybe she just wanted to give me the opportunity to be greater than my birthright. I’m the youngest daughter, so I was unlikely to ever be matriarch of the House and just as unlikely to be matriarch of a House I married into.” A tone of jest infected her next words, “I’d have been doomed to dinner parties and a life in the background.” Illyria much preferred a life of adventure and being able to help those needed it.

Her attention now shifted to Veiere, who a moment ago mentioned them both being able to speak freely, a coy aura suddenly overcoming her. “And how do you – master – feel with recent events? With what happened at Azure? With taking me on as your padawan?” Maybe she just wanted to get the focus off herself for a little bit, but she was also curious how her master was feeling. So often to padawans the master felt like this well of knowledge and teachings that could never waver emotionally, but at the end of the day, they were still people. Just as Veiere said.

[member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

"Believe it or not I'm quite knowledgeable in the ways of nobility" Veiere replied to her explanation around her family and the Hapes Consortium. "My wife and I were the previous leaders of Commenor which is now a world within the Order's sector. Before our departure, it was a monarchy led nation" Commenor had grown for a time into a major galactic power under his and [member="Kay Arenais"] leadership. They had founded the Commenor Systems Alliance, and under their protection had spread their influence across numerous worlds verging ever closer to the core. That had been until the Sith Empire had invaded and blockaded the capital, crippled the majority of their military resources and occupied the world of Commenor for a year well into it's degradation.

"Truth be told, despite my being the head ambassador of the Order today, I always hated politics in the past and it wasn't until it was more or less forced upon me, that I had to grow accustomed to working in that particular field" he finished with a slight laugh, the irony of his position today felt quite humorous compared to how much he loathed the idea of being a political figure once upon a time. "However, this is where I can help you with regards to the diplomacy side of Jedi life" he added with a little more enthusiasm, "If you'll agree to it, I'll have you join me alongside the other Ambassadors of the Silver Jedi, learn the ropes and one day become a voice and representative for the Order if that's something you wish to pursue further down the line".

"As for how I'm feeling..." Veiere moved on to the question returned by [member="Illyria Sol Rhia"]; "I'm glad to have the responsibility of seeing you through to the completion of your training, yet I'm also having to pace myself in how much we take on at a time and how much I plan for ahead of us. I've taken on students in the past who have shown immense enthusiasm in the beginning, yet over time slowly and gradually fallen away from their commitments" he explained, apprehension in his words for the disappointment this had caused him over the years. "However, in yourself, I also see a great deal of potential and I look forward to coming to get to know you better. The Jedi Path isn't an easy one, nor is the required training short, but I will see you reach your goals, provided you are able to commit to the road ahead".

 

[Illyria Sol Rhia]

“Oh, I know,” a grin met him as he mentioned his own roots with nobility “ever since I officially became your padawan the other young Jedi can’t help themselves with telling me how important you are to the Order. House Arenais has come up.” It was in a way comical to Illyria that Veiere was so stubbornly humble given his role within the Order, so much so she could not help but consider it cute. Like a Krayt dragon pretending to be a Womp rat. Probably shouldn’t voice that one Illyria thought to herself, positive it would come out wrong.

The thought dissipated as he brought up the Ambassadors of the Silver Jedi, the thought having crossed her mind before, and though it appeared he was in no rush for her response she could not help but blurt one out, “— I would love that,” excitement filled her voice in a way she really hadn’t anticipated and as if reeling herself back in she cleared her throat “I mean – yes, I would be honoured.” Turning to face the rays of light blanketing them, her eyes searching for the sun for the briefest of moments, her hazel eyes could endure the intensity for but a few moments. Longer than most near-human species, but still not overtly long.

Noting the disappointment evident in his voice, Illyria however did not interject, waiting for him to finish as she contemplatively considered his own feelings in this context. She never really did think about those Jedi that did not finish their training, the ones who for one reason or another grew tired of it, and it made her realize the sense of disappointment inherent in having a padawan that stepped away from the Order. What Jedi couldn’t help but think of the ways they could have been better? The what-ifs that plagued them? Undoubtedly in some way this was a risk for him, opening himself up to yet another padawan. “Seems like this a new chance for us both.”

Tempted as she was to joke about the longevity of Jedi training, she herself now at twelve years of training, Illyria decided against it. “I am committed to the path ahead, master.” Her tone serious, declarative, her facial expression a reflection of her words before in an instant it relaxed, and she again faced Veiere now outstretching a hand with the palm facing him. “We got this.” The Hapan now waited for him to high-five her, a peculiar custom she spotted from two padawans some weeks ago.

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[member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere chuckled softly at the raised hand, an obvious gesture and one he was familiar with while [member="Illyria Sol Rhia"] seemed a little unsure of herself. "Yes, we do" he agreed as he met her palm with his in a light clap!

Somehow, Veiere had not expected or even considered that Illyria would've done a bit of research around who her new Mentor was. It was true that his position in the Order of the Silver Jedi was one of great importance, though compared to numerous others, he had not been with the Silvers for nearly as long and did not wish to be thought of as above or below anyone else. As far as Veiere was concerned, all peoples Jedi and otherwise were to be held upon common ground where his practices and ideologies were regarded.

"It's nice to see you've taken some initiative" he remarked, almost with a faint edge of sarcasm to his words though only at his own expense and sharing with her something of a playful grin, "Don't believe everything you hear" he added in fair warning. There were a number of highly controversial incidents that Veiere had been involved in over the years, both political and personal. There were also some discussions and lessons he had learned, that were better shared further down the line after they had come to get to know one another a little better; if they needed to be raised at all.

Moving on however, Veiere wished to know more about Illyria's background and previous learnings. Her skills and where she felt the need to improve, outside of diplomacy, though it was a good start. "Tell me more about what you've learned so far, if you don't mind my asking?" he asked gently; "What sorts of lessons and abilities did Master Fel instruct you in. What were your motivations for training, and, if any, adventures off-world?".

 

[Illyria Sol Rhia]

The Hapan laughed to herself as their palms lightly slapped together, her arms retreating to her lap as she now began to absentmindedly play with the rings on her fingers – with three on each hand she had plenty to choose from. None of them particularly meant anything to her, rather she used them as occasional training tools. Telekinetically moving a single large object was, in a way, easier than having to split her focus across numerous objects and again she smiled at his warning. There was undoubtedly much about her master she had yet to learn and chances are padawans that idolized him wouldn’t be the most accurate source, but they sufficed for the basics.

Deciding it best not to press into any of that right now she allowed the topic to change without protest, his next question driving her to contemplate. What were her motivations? It was not an easy question for someone who did not necessarily volunteer to be a Jedi, after all, it was simply all she knew. But then that was a bit overly simplistic since Illyria wasn’t obligated to remain here if she truly didn’t want to be a Jedi, in fact, where most padawans may hesitate to leave the Order because they had nowhere else to go – that was not true for Illyria. She could leave for Hapes in the next hour if that is truly what she desired.

So, what were her motivations then? “Well, to be brief, I was trained to hunt, to be stealthy and to track people or creatures,” that Jedi Shadow training “I was taught a technique called ‘Force Sight’ to compensate for my night-blindness, telepathy, telekinesis, to ‘trick’ people into thinking something through the Force, varying abilities to absorb damage and survive harsher conditions, to move very fast and jump real high,” at this point Illyria was almost absent-mindedly listing them off from the top of her head “I was trained in all of the lightsaber forms and Jedi martial arts. I also picked up some basic starship repair, learned about the local fauna and flora – particularly on Kashyyyk’s surface.”

Pausing, Illyria was now contemplating what else she had learned. “I think that’s all. Oh – the basics of course: history, mathematics, biology – and so on.” Now what were her motivations in training? “I am… not sure, to be honest. I have read of techniques though I would like to learn for myself. An ability that renders me nearly invisible, or a power to hide my presence, an ability to boost the morale and battle prowess of allies, even an ability to wield the light against the dark. I guess I am interested in more subtle utility abilities, if that makes sense.” It was evident that she had been without a library for an extensive amount of time and it was only recent that she had begun to investigate what else she could possibly do. “As for trips off-world, there were none. I have been here on Kashyyyk almost my entire life.” Only she had been in the Shadowlands with her master during that time.

Without it needing to be said Illyria was desperate to see beyond just Kashyyyk.

​

[member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

[member="Illyria Sol Rhia"] had apparently been through quite a surprising wealth of, and variety of training already. More often than not, Veiere was met with a blank slate to work with in which he could offer more to the student in terms of abilities and motivations or goals for the future, yet Illyria had already been through much of what the younger students would have been paced with. Instead, it sounded as though her needed experience was outside of the Silver Rest, the Temple of which most students lived out the first stages of their training. The younger woman had explained in some small detail the environment of which she had been trained, not confined in doors like many others but rather seemingly taught the survivalist skills that would prove most useful in the future, at the very least to herself if not others.

"We'll have to share in a number of regular sparring matches, just to ensure you're up to speed with a blade" Veiere informed her, though with her training in that of a Jedi Shadow, she would quite possibly prove to be an interesting match for the Consular type. Though that wasn't to say that Veiere was a novice in combat, not what-so-ever. "Battle-meditation stands out in those you've mentioned, though I wouldn't say I practice it largely myself. I know the basics in manipulating and empowering others through the force though that field wasn't something I sought to practice myself. Instead, my primary focus was Force Light, something else that you've mentioned and something that I can help you study and learn over time".

"We're also frequently needed off-world" Veiere added in further explanation, "As a member of the Assembly, I'm responsible for overseeing and assisting in the growth of the Order's influence. You'll be required to accompany me off of Kashyyyk a lot in the near future. Provided you're comfortable with that" he chuckled quietly under his breath, feeling as though he already knew her response.

"Any questions or concerns thus far?".

 

[Illyria Sol Rhia]

Illyria but nodded as he noted the necessity of the two of them sparring, an inevitability, but not one she dreaded in any way – it simply was. She had sparred with her former master quite frequently, in these last six months she had sparred with varying other padawans, and it would only make sense to spar with her current master as well. It was the only way a Jedi could be prepared for the day they were met with an enemy’s lightsaber. Though chances were they were going to utilize training lightsabers, powered down versions that burned, as opposed to outright dismembering. No one wanted a padawan missing all of their limbs.

Her eyes however lit up just slightly as he noted that he could help her with Force Light, an incredibly advanced technique, one she would undoubtedly be training herself in for years. But its utility against the Dark Side was unmistakable, coupled with the potential to learn Battle Meditation, Illyria could truly be an aid to the Order and those that needed help. The other technique she had in mind however likely something she would need to discover herself, perhaps here in the Archives, perhaps elsewhere through her own training – though it would certainly be easier to stand on the shoulders of the giants that had come before her.

“I'm looking forward to these next steps ahead of us, so, no concerns.” Excitement radiated from her and Illyria was certain he could tell – if not through the Force, then simply by her presence, as she did not try to mask it any other way besides her tone. Her words were measured and anticipatory, but how could she not be excited? After so long it truly felt like she was ready to aid the Order in greater ways, that their training was finally going to pay off, and that her life was about to really begin. She couldn’t help but be excited. “— Oh! I was wondering actually, am I free to peruse the Archives for information on Force techniques? I was thinking of looking some stuff up and bringing it to you.”

​

[member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

“— Oh! I was wondering actually, am I free to peruse the Archives for information on Force techniques? ​

I was thinking of looking some stuff up and bringing it to you".​

​

Veiere smiled as he looked to his Padawan, ever so eager to learn and excited for the future yet still retaining her composure, [member="Illyria Sol Rhia"] seemed to be at an age and level of maturity that had shed away the brash youthfulness of most new students one might take under their tutelage. With she, there would still be some challenges the pair of them would likely face, and yet Veiere didn't expect that her attention span nor self discipline would fall under that area of concern.

"For the most part, yes" Veiere answered, though there were some aspects of the Archives and Jedi Comport that he'd need to point out to her, before his Padawan burst off at full speed towards the closest holo-terminal. "There are however some subjects that you will find your access level to be locked out of. Subjects surrounding the more detailed discussions around the Darkside of the Force and practices that follow. Naturally, there's a need to regulate what our students are privy too, without opening them up to possible harm or risk of being lured away from the doctrine of the Order" he explained.

Those subjects would be reserved for lessons shared between Master and Apprentice, for which Veiere would be able to keep a close eye on Illyria while they explored the nature of the Sith Empire, the history surrounding the Order's constant rivalry with said Darkside practitioners and why it was important that they were aware of their long-time foe, yet didn't follow suit in their practices for the sake of remaining pure and dedicated to the light of the Galaxy.

"Anything you find yourself unable to access, I'd prefer to bring directly to me. Other Mentors could permit you to study in those area's, yet your future is my responsibility and I'd prefer to be directly involved in anything potentially questionable, in order to help you find the appropriate way of studying...-What we'd consider to be a risk factor in any students learning" She might note that Veiere wasn't warning her away from studying these things completely, but merely voicing the need for his inclusion, should she choose to delve into the darker truths of the Galaxy.

 

[Illyria Sol Rhia]

Padawan Sol Rhia couldn’t help the twinge of curiosity that had piqued at the mention of the more restricted knowledge, but at the same time, she was not so fresh to the Order that this was her first-time hearing of the ‘darkside’. It wasn’t some forbidden fruit that she craved the taste of. “Sounds reasonable enough.” Illyria had never really had so much freedom thrust upon herself, and it was something she was beginning to cherish, the capability to direct her own training to a degree. Her prior experience was significantly more rigid, though in a way that experience had enabled her today to take on more agency with her training. It had taught her how to direct herself.

And now she had a master who seemed more than willing to allow her that agency – a leash let slack – she began to wonder where she should begin. Or even what her next steps were. Illyria knew that she wanted greater hands-on experience, so that would be an ideal place to start. Then she could begin figuring out her strengths, weaknesses, her current limits and how to push them. Perhaps an opportunity would soon present itself.

Still sitting on the bench Illyria no longer had any pressing concerns, no questions, satisfied with this upcoming chapter in her life. Turning her attention back to Veiere for the moment, “I certainly would not want to make light of the darkside.” Bad joke. Suppressing a laugh, her eyes closing in that moment as she lightly cringed at herself, now more than ever aware of what long-term isolation did to a person’s ability to socialization. Turning her attention back to the courtyard where she noted the presence of more Jedi, it appeared it was now late-morning.

The Hapan stood from her seat and turned back to her master, now looking down at him, “I think I'll retire to the library, master.” With a deeper bow than she had initially given, the padawan was now more than ever excited to go read for a while. And giving her master room to add-on to their conversation or interject, she would take her leave shortly after, heading back into the temple.

​

[member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere offered a wary smile in response to [member="Illyria Sol Rhia"]'s joking comment, though not out of loss of humor but rather a past where he had gained first hand experience in what it felt like to be lured away from the light and in turn seeing all that one held dare torn away from his reach. Doing his best to avoid dampening the setting, he smiled through the thoughts that crossed his mind and instead focused upon the young woman whom seemed ready to turn in for the day and withdraw to more quiet and isolated studies.

"Very well" Veiere lowered his gaze, his head bowing in response to his Padawan's formal gesture of respect in her farewell. "It's been a pleasure sharing this time with you, Illyria, and I look forward to seeing how you progress. Pace yourself and with patience, we will see you find the path best suited to your talents" he concluded, soon rising to his feet and stepping away with her several paces away from the bench they had formerly been sat upon. The Archives would be in the opposite direction that Veiere sought to take, however he stopped in his tracks and merely waited for his Padawan to make her exit, in the case there were anything further she thought to ask.

When she turned the corner and walked out of sight, Veiere's shoulders relaxed somewhat, and he slowly turned away to head in the direction of the Assembly Chambers. Illyria's training would be a pleasant distraction from his usual full-time duties, though he quietly hoped that the young woman would find comfort and acceptance in her new Mentor as well as her own role in the Order today, whilst Veiere could only hope for the best, choosing to remain positive about their future together as opposed to those whom he had previously failed.