Faction New Beginnings (Open to RNR)

[Lysander von Ascania]

​

Objective: Free Education
Student: Zaiya Ceti

The boy glanced at the Padawan girl, his demeanor slipping for a second, but he then clicked his tongue. “Oh? I don’t remember asking for a lesson on friendship,” he suggested. His tone was light, but the smirk suggested he was equally amused. His green eyes narrowed slightly as well, reflecting her own.

Lysander tilted his head slightly, his blonde hair falling over his forehead. He questioned if there was any real point in this entire interaction, or if he should just walk off and focus on his training, which was the main reason for even being here. "But you know what, if you and I were friends," he continued, a touch of mischief sparkling in his gaze, "I’d probably have a very specific nickname for you."

Then, in a sudden motion, the Lovalla gained his attention again. The boy felt a tug at his grasp. It was subtle at first, but quickly grew stronger. The reality of what she was attempting was too obvious; it was an attempt to take his weapon with telekinesis. The boy’s grip tightened like a vice, and now it pointed in her direction from the pull. His body weight shifted to lean back, unwilling to surrender the weapon.

A small jolt of adrenaline was felt.

Instinct took over. As she stepped forward, he found himself retreating back several paces; though, it wasn’t out of fear. Now the distance was managed between them; his finger then reached for the activation switch. The purple blade ignited with a hum. Its glow was like a wall between them. “I promise if you come any closer, I’m going to take it as a challenge.”

He inhaled a deep breath. "I'm beginning to wonder if all your vibrant colors are just a facade. I find you to be rather rude myself,” he commented, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

As he studied her, there was still the weight of more unsaid words pressing against his chest. However, it didn’t mean he was angry. This was the first time he had felt in such a way since leaving Coruscant.

“I offered you my name,” he said, raising a single brow, “and you didn't even have the decency to do the same. It appears your etiquette, too, is poorly lacking.”

A failed upbringing was clear as ideas swirled in the teen’s mind, deciding he should educate her, as it was highly likely they would cross paths from time to time. "Maybe you came here to learn the art of introductions?”

He recalled the lessons from his days on Ukatis. “First," he started, straightening his posture, "you’re supposed to introduce yourself with a smile. Not by stumbling into them. I mean obviously, this sets the tone for pretty much any conversation.”

"Second," he continued, "you might actually consider next time that it is important to respond with a simple ‘thank you’, or ‘nice to meet you.’ It's not that hard to do you know.”

"Lastly," he said with an exhale, keeping his gaze locked with hers, “ignoring my name shows that you lack any actual understanding of respect.”

The Padawan lowered his lightsaber, trying to show openness, but skepticism brewed. He forced himself to drop it back to his side.

His head began to slowly shake. “Perhaps we should try this introduction thing out for a third time now? Oh, and just so you know, that whole yum bunny thing was more of a compliment than anything else. But you and your friends chose to look at me like I'm some kind of Sith from the Outer Rim instead.” Another smirk etched along his lips. “But don't let that go to your head. I already have a girlfriend, and I'm too busy right now to make time for another.”

He felt much better after letting it all out, hoping they could move forward, and also that Briana missed out on everything just said.

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x | Companion: Domxite
Interacting with: Lysander von Ascania

Zaiya's bioluminescent glow shifted in mesmerizing waves of lavender and turquoise as she absorbed Lysander's words, her irritation barely held in check. The Lovalla's cheeks puffed up comically as her lips pursed into an indignant pout -- at least until Lysander pointed out that it had been Zaiya who hadn't introduced herself properly and told him her name.

Oh. Right. The sudden realization sent a mortified and embarrassed rush of coral over the Lovalla's padawan's face, the iridescence of her skin giving a mortified, stuttered ripple, especially in light of having taken Knight Corazona von Ascania 's etiquette class and trying her best to follow proper decorum.

"That... well, that was my mistake, and I'm sorry but -- " Zaiya began, attempting to apologize, but of course, the Blonde-who-would-not-be-the-future-King-of-Ukatis seemed to enjoy just continuing rubbing salt on the wound --- and he just kept talking, not even allowing a breath for Zaiya to respond further. Stars did it ever ruffle Zaiya's feathers. Her spots sparkled lavender and silver with frustration, but Domxite's gentle nudge against her chin reminded her to stay calm.

Cool, collected, balanced, with clarity and purpose, she mentally chanted, though the steady rise of opalescent jewellike hues betraying her emotions suggested otherwise.

Once Lysander was done, Zaiya stood straighter, lifting her chin with a graceful defiance. Her bracelets chimed softly as she gestured toward his lightsaber, now activated. "Well, Lysander von Ascania..."

Then, a brilliant smile spread across her face -- serene and undeniably dazzling, her skin awash in soft coral and gold.

"You're right about one thing: introductions matter. My name is Zaiya Ceti, Padawan of the New Jedi Order, and I take pride in my training, my people, and, yes, the vibrancy of my colors. It is how my kind communicates." She clasped her hands in front of her, her bracelets jingling as if punctuating her words.

As for the girlfriend remark, Zaiya didn't even bother responding. Great, glad he had friends that are girls or girls that are friends -- whatever.

She took a measured step forward, her colorful head tilting to the side in mock curiosity. "But more importantly, let's address once more your lack of following proper protocol in lightsaber safety and use."

Or perhaps that's part of what the blond youth that was not-quite-the-next-ruler-of-Ukatis charm? Zaiya mused to herself in mild mockery.

Lightsaber safety lessons by intimidation, with a side of 'yum bunny' compliments, the Lovalla thought to herself, trying her best to appear calm, but the faint ripple of silvery irritation in her spots suggested she hadn't quite forgiven the jab about her colors.

"As you have activated your blade, I take it that you intend to use it against me. Alright, I accept your challenge," Zaiya added, her posture poised and confident, the shimmering hues of her skin shifting to a calming blend of dark orange and gold. However, the Lovalla Padawan did not reach out for her lightsaber hilt at her hip. Instead, she stood confidently in place.

"So, go ahead. " Her smile turned a little sharper, her hand providing a small gesture of encouragement, the dozen bracelets and cuffs on her arm giving a distracting musical jingle.

"Your move, von Ascania."

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

The sound of the quarreling teenagers elevated enough to draw Aadihr's focus away from his staff work.

The Lovalla padawan was flashing colors in the force spectrum as well, challenging the young aristocratic Padawan - who seemed to have vented some frustration or another at the Lovalla. Their hues both seemed indignant to some degree, and Zaiya Ceti was encouraging Lysander von Ascania to make the first move.

Their conflicting signatures were distracting in the force. If they were to spar that was one thing, but provoking a duel in a temple like this was disrespectful. Neither were his duty to chastise, he had only met Zaiya once but she and her master had saved his life. The other was some royal or another, but his aura seemed to indicate they thought themselves overly important. It didn't matter to Aadihr - the boy could be of the ruling family of Naboo itself and it wouldn't make a difference. Lightsabers should not be handled carelessly as the Lovalla said, but they also should not be lit so readily when emotions run hot.

Aadihr sighed and determined to be be closeby if the youthful emotions won over ego control. He collected his outer robes and staff and approached the two Jedi apprentices, keeping over two paces away. Both teenagers were near a decade his junior; Aadihr watched their auras closely. He remained silent but stood ready to intervene or, more preferably, diffuse the tension should it escalate.

Zaiya Ceti | Lysander von Ascania | OPEN​

 

[Lossa Aureus]

Shiraya's Sanctuary | Training Terrace
Skinsuit, Noctys, MidNight Duster
Bracelet
Lightsaber, Turmoil, Concealed Blaster, Nasty-Stabby, Dual Broken Core Daggers
Lorn Reingard | Lysander von Ascania | Zaiya Ceti | Katherine Holt | Aadihr Lidos​

The Ukatian was quick with words, and even quicker with actions.

An amused giggle emerging from behind the helmet as the situation between Zaiya and the little noble bubbled over. Lossa had been intending to speak to Zaiya if only to affirm the girls question of her presence. Letting a hand rise and release the helmet seals as Briana Sal-Soren and Rik Perris joined them in the room. Letting the helm rest in her hand as she let herself rise through the force in equal parts amusement and irritation. A warning for those that had just joined them in the room as her eyes flickered from its usual playful ruby color to a sickly ruddy color.

Her gaze fixated on the two before her as the helmet began to groan under her tightening grip.

"Little noble. You are painting your people in a poor light." Eyes narrowed as her grin gained a sharp edge to it. Taking a half step forward but not directly in their path yet as she looked them both over. "If you want to swing on each other here and now, you best realize the bed your making with this sort of first impression with Knight Sal-Soren."

Her shoulders settling lower as she straightened to her full height. Despite her words, she was grinning at them both. As if to goad them into a fight regardless of her warning. She hadn't resorted to messing with their emotions just yet, but it was a tempting thought despite her own feelings regarding Zaiya. The galaxy wasn't a kind place, and bless the girls heart for seeing the good in others for what they could be. But sometimes-

Sometimes the rotten ones poked their heads up.

"You wouldn't want to be painted in a poor light, right? Especially after all the trouble your sister has already gone through with other nobles, yes?" Her voice dropping enough to keep the words between the three of them.

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

It seemed those with more authority and familiarity with the Padawans had arrived. Though their aura conflicted with the words they spoke.

Aadihr eased himself. He didn't know why he returned to Naboo. It was too soon to for him to confront his own feelings about his past life here, and much to soon to try to restore any bridges burned.

At least there were capable knights in the room for the padawan's sake, and they seemed to have some amount of care for apprentices - more than Aadihr could say of his late master. Even if something, some lingering memory or hue in the force left a poor taste in his mouth, Aadihr felt they would be safe enough without him.

Aadihr finally relented to his own emotions. He swallowed his pride and donned his outer robes once more, turning to leave. Even here, the temple of Shiraya, brought up memories in his gut that he was not ready to confront.

As silently as he had entered, the Miraluka made for the stairs back into the natural beauty of the Gallo Mountains. Perhaps he could still catch a shuttle off-world.

EXIT​

 

[Kahne Porte]

Lorn Reingard

Kids will be kids

Kahne smirked slightly as he stood in the distance watching the drama unfold. While common sense dictated him to step in and intervene at the what could potentially be a harmless challenge. However, they needed to figure things out for themselves. They wouldn't be around all the time to guide the young ones out of trouble.

The Jedi Master took a sip from his cup, as Lysander von Ascania was then challenged by Zaiya Ceti

Kahne chuckled lightly, it was actually a welcome sight. The challenge seemed to draw all sorts of attention but those that remained with their own trainings were doing their best to ignore the chaos, so it proved to be a lesson all around for everyone.

Lossa Aureus then stepped in to intervene, but it seemed she was more trying to instigate things furthers. The Jedi Master chuckled lightly as he stood up, not going to rescue anyone but to greet the newcomer that was in the halls. He was in conversation with Katherine Holt

"Good day, Lorn Reingard is it?" The Jedi asked. "Forgive my intrusion." He said with a small apologetic look towards he and Katherine. "I felt introductions are in order. My name is Kahne Porte, its a pleasure to meet you both. How are you finding things here thus far?"

 

[Aiden Porte]

What in the world have I walked into.....

The Jedi padawan thought as he entered several minutes ago at what seemed to be a face off between Lysander von Ascania and Zaiya Ceti

The Padawan carrying a tray of delicious treats.

"Your move, von Ascania."

Aiden walked to Lysander von Ascania side and patted him on the shoulder. "You have my support my friend. You don't have to take this from her!" The Padawan said with a small smile and nod, glancing over to Zaiya as he stuck his tongue out at her.

"On a serious note, I made some cookies. If anyone want's some?" Aiden said opening to the group, as he opted to bake some for their new arrival as a sign of good faith.

Lorn Reingard Katherine Holt Lossa Aureus

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Zaiya Ceti Lossa Aureus Aiden Porte

​

"Well then," he started, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "Padawan Zaiya Ceti of the New Jedi Order who takes pride in her people, why don’t you just tell me what the exact protocol is then?” His head tilted to one side. “Clearly, I don’t understand the responsibility that comes with a lightsaber.”

His brow furrowed, slowly beginning to recognize the absurdity of this situation. It was clear she wasn’t looking for a lightsaber duel, which might have given him a better chance.

Lysander’s gaze turned to Lossa as she spoke. He stood firm, his lightsaber resting lightly against his side. The curved hilt was a reassuring presence in his grip. Uncertainty surged through him; her words were like a needle trying to wound his pride. “If that’s true,” he said calmly, “Then I’m not the only one painting their people in a bad light.” He cast a sidelong glance at Lovalla before he turned his attention back to the muscular Jedi. “Don't worry. You'll get your chance next.”

With every breath, the Padawan fought to release the tension building in his muscles. Despite his efforts, a mix of emotions still swirled in his mind— fear of making a poor impression, the desire to prove himself, and increasing frustration. Previous lessons of the Order echoed in his mind, reminding him to practice patience and understanding. Even now, he heard whispers saying that strength did not have to be displayed through physical confrontation.

Yet, the struggle persisted, feeling a small pull towards further rash decisions. He then thought about his decision to come to Naboo. He wanted more than anything to pass his tests with honor.

"Of course it’s activated. You may see it as a game, but my lightsaber is not some toy to be taken away. Did you honestly think I would simply hand it over?” The purple blade continued to hum softly beside him. Rather than deactivating it, he met her confident gaze with his own. Determination glimmered in the depths of his emerald orbs as his own chin tilted. "You know, trying to take it is also a violation. And disrespectful, too.” His voice was steady despite the myriad of emotions inside.

The jingle of her bracelets sounded like a countdown. Silence stretched between them. Lysander vaguely reflected on his trips to Ilum, the Shadow Temple, and Caamas Temple too. She never answered his question earlier. His tone would be lighthearted as he tried to push her buttons again. “Where’s that one guy that's always with you?” His smile was as sharp as a vibroblade. “Did he finally ditch you for someone else?”

Lysander chuckled, nodding to Aiden as he suddenly approached. "Thanks for the backup, Aiden. I do appreciate it. I'm definitely up for some cookies.”

 

[Tycho Arak]

Outfit: Green tunic, brown pants, black boots.
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tags: People. Mainly Cerys Dyn

Tycho looked at who spoke and was surprised to find a Togruta standing next to him. He'd been too engrossed in watching what was going on and had allowed someone to slip up next to him unnoticed. Terrible form. At least he was in a place that was safe. Or, at least, relatively safe. Most of these people were good, right? Generally speaking?

"Not really sure but I think a couple of them either don't like each other or are in love," he said, pondering what was happening between Lysander von Ascania and Lossa Aureus .

Seemed like he was having it out with the colorful girl Zaiya Ceti too. Hard to say. He didn't know them so he could only go on what he was seeing and hearing in the moment, and there was definitely some teasing going on. But he also felt there was a lot of underlying tension involved in the situation, perhaps having to do with interactions amongst them that had occurred in the past. He wasn't sure what it was, but he also wasn't sure it was necessarily good.

Several others entered, and there was someone with cookies, but he didn't seem all that interested in it. These were just more people that he didn't know, though some of them felt powerful to him, more trained. Also felt like there was a lot of the untrained amongst them. He glanced back to the Togruta.

"I'm Tycho, by the way. I don't really know anyone here so I'm just kind of watching and getting the lay of the land."

 

[Katherine Holt]

Location: Shiraya's Sanctuary - Training Terrace
Tags: Lorn Reingard | Lysander von Ascania | Zaiya Ceti | Lossa Aureus | Tycho Arak | Rik Perris | Briana Sal-Soren | Cerys Dyn | Kahne Porte | Aiden Porte​

Her attention had been diverted, but Katherine saw Lorn rolling up his sleeve. It was only within her peripheral vision, and she couldn’t quite make out what the tattoos were exactly. For as quick as he had rolled the sleeve up, it was back down shortly after. Though it did leave Katherine wondering if there were any more.

The Padawan moved back a bit, giving Lorn space to practice his Kata. Katherine watched his movements, particularly his footwork as he began. It brought a smile to her face, to see someone fall into that familiar calmness and serenity, despite the otherwise chaos going on nearby.

Katherine nodded her head in response to Lorn’s question. “I do,” she replied. It was a Form she had adopted when learning how to properly wield a spear. As much as she was a knowledge sponge, the Padawan had found it better to only focus on a couple forms at a time.

“Soresu primarily, for lightsaber combat. It’s the form my Master is most proficient at, thus he taught me it. Secondary would be Five; Djem So and of course, Niman.” Katherine heard a few more individuals enter the training terrace, but she didn’t shift her attention until she heard someone approach.

The Padawan blinked, immediately finding something familiar with the older man’s face. Why does he remind me of-

Katherine’s thought was cut off as he introduced himself, and the surname immediately clicked the pieces together. “Porte? Is Aiden Porte a relative of yours?” She asked, her mind awhirl with questions.

Only to have another thrown on top when she heard Aiden’s familiar voice chime in. She looked in his direction, and noted her fellow Padawan was holding a tray of cookies. Katherine’s expression was a mix of confusion and amusement.

What in the Force is happening today?

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Shiraya's Sanctuary | Training Terrace​

Tags: Katherine Holt | Kahne Porte

​

Lorn found it increasingly difficult to follow the conversation. The blonde Padawan, had his lightsaber ignited, pointed -- dramatically, Lorn thought -- at the colorful one. Others were piling into the fray, fixated on these two Padawans. He'd missed the teenage angst of his own youth, having been trained outside of any organized Order officially, but this was a whole new level of… something. Were these two in love? Or was there something more to the colorful display? It was all rather distracting.

He shifted his focus back to Katherine, the Padawan whose quiet grace amidst the turmoil was a welcome anchor. Soresu, her primary form, taught by her Master. Lorn imagined the formidable warrior she must have been before the injuries that now hampered her movements. He would have to see her Master's teaching firsthand sometime, when she was back on her feet.

Before he could speak, an older man approached. Kahne Porte. Master? Grandmaster? Lorn wasn't sure, but the man's air of authority spoke volumes. He extended a hand, offering a polite greeting. "The temple has been great." Lorn said, his tone even, a stark contrast to the surrounding pandemonium. "I've been meeting wonderful Jedi like Ms. Holt here. Thank you for allowing me refuge." It seemed a reasonable assumption that Mr. Porte was in charge.

Katherine's quick interjection about the Porte surname -- a well-known one, perhaps? -- further fueled his attempts to decipher the temple's intricate social dynamics. Then came the cookie-bearing Aiden Porte, and the puzzle pieces began clicking together. Aiden, Katherine's fellow Padawan. Related to Kahne. The chaos began to resolve itself into a slightly clearer, if still bewildering, picture.

"Are you on the council here?" Lorn asked, turning his attention to Kahne, his voice steady. "We should probably speak soon on how I could be useful here." He needed to understand the rules of engagement, the unwritten codes. This temple, with its erupting lightsaber duels and cookie-bearing relatives, required a level of understanding.

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x | Companion: Domxite
Interacting with: Lysander von Ascania

Zaiya's fingers curled into her palms as the lavender ripples streaked across her skin, growing sharper and more vivid. Her patterns betrayed her vexation no matter how hard she tried to school her expression. Lysander's sharp edged smirk and barbed words hit harder than she wanted to admit, but she wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of seeing her lose control.

Still, his comment about Aris Noble stung in a way that made her chest tighten. The soft iridescent white and cerulean tones that usually reflected her calm dimmed into muted stormy hues that danced and pulsed over her skin. Her eyes narrowed as she took a deliberate breath, drawing strength from the calming presence of Domxite nearby.

He's baiting you, Zaiya. Don't fall for it.

"I didn't attempt to take your saber for fun, Lysander," she said, her voice even but carrying an edge of practiced patience. "You began by first wielding your lightsaber hilt in Knight Aureus's direction haphazardly like a glowstick at a carnival, pointing it at a Knight -- one who is one of the leaders administering and overseeing the Jakku Enclave."

Zaiya tilted her head, her iridescent patterns rippling into a determined dark orange with cobalt bioluminescent flecks over her skin, "My action to attempt to disarm you was to provide a teachable moment. Congratulations on being able to retain your lightsaber in your grasp nonetheless."

She could feel Domxite's amusement through their shared bond, their quiet encouragement like a subtle nudge in the Force to do her best to maintain her cool and not lash out. While she was failing in controlling her colorshifting, Zaiya was really, really, trying to not embarass her own Master by her actions. Iris Arani was right; the droid's presence steadied her, even as she caught Aiden's overly chipper arrival out of the corner of her eye. Of course, he was here. With cookies. Again.

She wasn't sure what was more absurd -- Lysander's noble posturing or Aiden's uncanny ability to insert himself into every tense moment like it was an intermission.

"No, thank you, Aiden, I'm fine without cookies," she said, her tone clipped but not unkind, sparing him a quick glance before turning her full attention back to Lysander. Which was a lot to say from the Lovalla who was more apt to say yet to eat snacks than decline them -- that was telling.

As for the comment regarding Aris, no, that didn't require a comment. He was trying to bait her. She knew it. Aris wouldn't ditch her. He was her best friend. He had told her he wouldn't leave her alone. Of course, that didn't mean that he couldn't find someone else to like-like, too... but... still. Right?

As much as she told herself that, it didn't stop the seed of doubt from worming its way in, and also, why was he so interested in Aris anyways?!

The Lovalla's gaze flicked toward Lysander's still activated saber, her raised brow a silent query. "Well, are you going to make a move, or will you deactivate your saber and apologize to Knight Aureus?"

The faint hum of his blade remained the only sound between them. For a moment, Zaiya wondered if she'd pushed too far, but something had to be said, right?! Domxite sent a gentle ripple of warmth through the Force, and Zaiya breathed deeply, her skin trying her best to shift into calm aquamarine and gold.

Whatever came next, she was ready.

 

[Kahne Porte]

“Porte? Is Aiden Porte a relative of yours?”

Kahne chuckled slightly and nodded his towards Katherine Holt "Yes, that is my son." The Jedi Master glanced over towards the group that seemed to still be at odds, and he happened to see his son over there holding a plate of sorts. That debate he would have to settle here shortly.

"I hope he hasn't caused you any trouble?" The Jedi Master voiced with a hint of concern, that was laced with a bit of humor in his voice. He glanced towards Lorn Reingard as he spoke about his time here and the Council.

"The temple has been great."

"I've been meeting wonderful Jedi like Ms. Holt here. Thank you for allowing me refuge."

"Are you on the council here?"

"We should probably speak soon on how I could be useful here."

"That's great to hear, this place was truly done well." The Jedi Master said with a smile, but then he shook his head at his later words. "I can't take any credit, this is the work of Grand Master Briana Sal-Soren . She is the true architect and leader of this Order. I do not sit on the Council, I'm merely here to provide support to the Order and assist Briana in any way that I can."

"Well, are you going to make a move, or will you deactivate your saber and apologize to Knight Aureus?"

Kahne let out a small sigh as he finally glanced over to the duo again, and his son of course wasn't helping things. Still children at heart he supposed....

"That's enough, out of all of you." Kahne finally responded to the event, it seemed this was going to be a back and forth thing until someone finally stepped in to full intervene. While Kahne commanded no Jedi here he had to get a small handle on things. Better to cut things now, then the Grand Master come in and see this situation unfolding. Speaking more so to the trio of Padawans then anyone else.



Lysander von Ascania Zaiya Ceti Lossa Aureus

 

[Cerys Dyn]

Cerys scoffed and rolled her eyes. Given Tycho's impression of what was going on, she was none too pleased with having been sent to this place. She did, though, realise that completing her training would require her to be around those of lesser moral standing that which was expected of her original Order.

"Cerys Dyn. Padawan to Brandyn Sal-Soren...new Padawan that is," she said, wondering how long he would be willing to keep her on.

She pointed at the opalescent one. And then the young man. "So those two are in love?" She said, scorn clearly across her face, "how typical of modern Jedi..."

She nudged Tycho with her elbow and pointed towards the pink skinned Jedi across the room.

"That one has...a baby..."

Her normal judgmental (some would say caustic) opinions were so out there to the rest of these Jedi that she felt the need to rip the bandage off right away. If she was going to get run out of another town, she might as well get run out early on. Save the bother of any investment in the people or the place.

Tycho Arak
Referencing: Lysander von Ascania Zaiya Ceti Lossa Aureus

 

[Briana Sal-Soren]

Outfit: XoXo | Equipment: Lightsaber, Echo Stone |
Tag: Lossa Aureus , Rik Perris , Lysander von Ascania , Zaiya Ceti , Cerys Dyn , Kahne Porte
​

As Briana watched the interaction between Zaiya and Lysander escalate, Briana was, for a brief moment, transported back to her own youth - to the first time she'd met Lossa, when she'd similarly questioned her cousin's manners. Something about knocking on unopened doors. The memory brought a slight curve to her lips, though it quickly faded as she felt the undercurrent of Lossa's intent and presence in the Force, deliberately stoking the tensions between the young Padawans.

"Master Porte is right." Briana's voice echoed, carrying across the terrace with quiet but unmistakable authority, "That is enough." Briana made to move forward, creating a natural point of focus by putting herself in the middle of the conflict before it could get any worse.

"Padawan von Ascania," she addressed Lysander first, arms folding across her chest, not in anger, but in a posture of calm assessment. "A lightsaber is not a toy, nor is it a prop for making points in conversation. It is a weapon - one that demands respect and responsibility. We ignite our blades for one reason only: because we intend to use them. Not for squabbles, not for show, and certainly not for fun." Her eyes fixed firmly on the activated purple blade. "That is how accidents happen. That is how someone loses an eye, or worse. Temper your impulses and deactivate it. Now."

A subtle shift of her weight, and her attention turned to Zaiya. "And Padawan Ceti. Attempting to forcibly remove another's weapon through the Force only served to escalate an already tense situation. As Jedi, our first responsibility is to defuse conflict, not intensify it." A beat passed, one eyebrow raising slightly. "Besides, if Knight Aureus had concerns about Padawan von Ascania's behavior towards her, she is more than capable of addressing it herself."

And to that end, her eyes darted over to Lossa, fixing her with a sharp look. I expect better from you than encouraging conflict among our Padawans. No matter what you're going through, you chose to be here and your position demands more responsibility than that.

A fleeting, wry thought crossed her mind and she almost flinched. When did she start sounding like her mother?

Cerys's comment about Lossa had registered in the back of her awareness before she moved towards Lysander and Zaiya - a dismissive remark that, in another moment, might have sparked a more immediate response if not for the two other Padawan's who'd needed attending first. Briana felt the familiar heat rising - not of anger, but of a deep, protective instinct. Whatever conflict there was between her and Lossa now, there was still that raw, familial impulse to defend.

Breathe, she reminded herself. This is a teaching moment. Turning towards their newest arrival, her brother's first Padawan, Briana's voice remained steady. Calm. Professional. "Padawan Dyn, as you are new to our Order, new to our ways, let me be clear - Lossa has more than earned her place through dedication, sacrifice, and service. What's more, she is this Temple's Battlemaster and I expect her to be shown the same level of respect that you would have shown to your late and current Master."

Briana took a breath, "Now, Lysander, Zaiya, since the two of you seem to have excess energy this morning, perhaps we should channel it productively." She gestured to the training area. "I want the two of you to practice the first kata of Form I while working to mirror each other's movements, maintaining eye contact throughout. This exercise requires focus, patience, and most importantly, the ability to work in harmony with others, even those you may find... challenging."

​

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Zaiya Ceti Lossa Aureus Aiden Porte Briana Sal-Soren​

Lysander’s eyes narrowed. “You could have just minded my own business, you know,” he said. “But you had to stick your nose where it didn't belong. Did you really think I was a threat to you, with my lightsaber hilt pointed at her? I would have never attacked anyone here, or anyone for that matter.”

His gaze shifted towards Lossa. The muscles of his jaw tightened slightly. He hadn’t forgotten the grin that danced on her lips just moments ago, one he found particularly annoying. As he felt another jolt of adrenaline, part of him wished he could have just wiped it off her face. “You still didn't answer my last question either,” he added. And though it was directed to the Lovalla, he was still looking directly at the knight for some reason.

Then came Kahne’s voice, followed by Briana’s. Stepping between them was surely a timely intervention. Her presence brought quiet authority that would be impossible to ignore. The Padawan stood like a statue as she addressed him. With a deep breath, he forced himself to release some of his frustration. Slowly, he raised his lightsaber and looked at it one last time before finally deactivating the weapon. He then cast a glance around the room, feeling like all eyes were on him.

As she turned to speak with Zaiya, he moved slightly to the left, trying to catch her eye. With each point made about her own mistakes, Lysander's head nodded repeatedly in agreement. The lectures continued, and it appeared that no one was going to be spared. One by one, many found themselves in the spotlight.

When she finally spoke to both of them, he couldn't help but protest. “I didn't start it!” His voice raised just a notch. Shades of red colored his cheeks as he recalled his truth of past experiences with the girl. “On the note of losing an eye,” he continued with a steady voice, “that’s almost what happened to me the first time I ever laid eyes on Zaiya.”

He shook his head as Briana issued an order; the movement was defiant. There was a flicker of desire to prove her wrong. “No way,” he muttered under his breath in disbelief. “Practice kata while mirroring each other? You’ve got to be joking.”

Before leaving, he grabbed one of Aiden’s cookies and took a quick bite. The Padawan’s mind churned with rebellious thoughts. On the way to the training area, the teen found it impossible to hold back his disdain. He muttered under his breath. “Form I?” He scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Shii-Cho sucks.. it’s ancient.. who even uses that anymore?”

Passing by one of the openings of the enclave, he paused. His gaze drifted to the Gallo Mountains. He reflected on what they had to do and wondered if there were any ways to get out of it.

 

[Tycho Arak]

Outfit: Green tunic, brown pants, black boots
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tags: Cerys Dyn | Briana Sal-Soren | Kahne Porte | Lossa Aureus | Lysander von Ascania | Lorn Reingard | Katherine Holt

"It is unwise to judge others for seeking out that which their heart yearns for," he said without looking at Cerys, his eyes watching the disturbance closely. "Less wise to judge someone for having a child. There is little more precious in life than having one."

With that last bit he did look at the Togruta beside him, his look reproving. He didn't appreciate her attitude towards the others present, even though he had no stake in the game since he wasn't a Jedi. But he had studied the Jedi Code, Sith Code, and several others rather extensively, and he found it curious how someone who followed the Jedi code would condemn others for doing something the code does not forbid. The practice of forbidding attachment was ancient, barbaric, and never grounded in the code at all. It was pure manipulation.

He had a daughter himself, by adoption, and while he hadn't seen her much lately, the idea of her looking down on someone for having a son or daughter was just... upsetting.

What was worse was the way that the boy, the one who'd been waving his lightsaber around like a child's toy, was reacting in response to the orders of his superiors. He'd been listening to what had been said. He knew the boy was some form of nobility from some world, and he appeared to be the spoiled, better than you version of it. Or perhaps he was having a bad day. Difficult to say. Either way, the way he was muttering under his breath and showing open defiance to the two obvious leaders in the room was, well, technically none of his business, but perhaps he could make a point.

"Shii-cho is the basis for all forms of lightsaber combat," he said, moving away from Cerys and approaching Lysander. "Failure to understand it is failure to master any of the forms. If you are unwilling to practice it, then you do not deserve to hold a lightsaber."

He changed his trajectory, just slightly, and approached Aiden Porte to snag a cookie.

​

 

[Rik Perris]

Training Terrace
Shiraya's Sanctuary, Naboo

The rising tension between these padawans brought back memories, both good and bad, of when he was as young as them, on either side of having lost his master at the age of fifteen. Memories, so many including the once best friend he'd lost contact with over the years. He could only hope Torch was doing alright for himself.

When Briana left where she was standing beside him, Rik only gave a cursory glance, but didn't think much of it. He wasn't sure how this girl he'd only just met around three years ago - and not again until brief, infrequent meetings over the past year - was going to handle this. When she began to speak to each of the three padawans who'd proven in so few minutes that they had a lot to work on, though... it wasn't her words that caught his attention, but her bearing and authoritative, motherly tone.

A hand slowly pulled out of the fold of his arms and went to his chin, then a few fingers covered his mouth. Brows that were creeping upward switched direction, and burrowed down.

[ Wait... ] Rik twisted and glanced out the door, but his mind went further, back down the hall to hardly five minutes before, to the Battle of Coruscant, that week on Hapes... [ ...what? ] He blinked, and snapped his attention back to Briana, who was still diffusing the situation, his thoughts churning over the fact that... not only did she just prove herself capable of handling things just fine, but that fact took his previous assessment of her and burnt it to a crisp, the way she went about it yanked on a deep part of him that held the things he wanted most in life. Things he'd known since he was a kid.

"Huh," he uttered, muffled, "Well, if that ain't awkward."

Wasn't only because he hardly knew her, but hearing what he'd heard through the grapevine, as of late? Nah, not a good idea, disrespectful as hell. Rik pushed those thoughts aside, dropped the hand from his face, tucked it back into the fold of his arms, and stepped away from where he'd been standing so far. Time to stop imitating a wallflower.

"He's right," Rik reinforced on his approach, "I wouldn't discard the first form so quickly; in the hands of a master of it, Shii-Cho can be deadly." He cracked half a smile, eyeing the young noble. "Actually, it's the first of the four forms I know so far, kid, and its figures into my bladework often enough; good for handling entire squads of stormtroopers, for example, in combo with my other skills." Potent telekinetics and combustion, to name a couple. "Just take it from me: what you run into out there won't always be a single opponent... some of 'em like to bring friends, and that happens more often than you think."

Briana Sal-Soren • Lysander von Ascania • Zaiya Ceti • Lossa Aureus
Cerys Dyn • Aiden Porte • Lorn Reingard • Katherine Holt • Tycho Arak​

 

[Katherine Holt]

Location: Shiraya's Sanctuary - Training Terrace
Tags: Lorn Reingard | Lysander von Ascania | Zaiya Ceti | Lossa Aureus | Tycho Arak | Rik Perris | Briana Sal-Soren | Cerys Dyn​

His son? Well that would explain the striking resemblance.

Katherine let out a small laugh, shaking her head in response to Kahne’s question. “He hasn’t caused any trouble.” Well, as far as she knew anyway. “We ran into one another aboard the Prosperity one day. A particularly boring day mind you, we ended up exploring the ship.”

And most importantly, helped one another make sense of how one even got around the vessel without getting lost.

While Kahne and Lorn conversed, the Padawan returned her attention to the main source of drama going on in the Training Terrace. She hadn’t heard every bit of the conversation, but Zaiya was her friend and would always back her.

That and Katherine had often read that nobles tended to think overly high of themselves, typically needing to be knocked down a peg or two.

But then Cora seemed pretty decent from what I’ve seen? I guess there’s always a rotten apple on the tree.

She wasn’t quite sure that was how the saying went.

Katherine glanced over as the older Porte walked past, interjecting into the verbal spat that was going down between Zaiya and Lysander. He was quickly backed up by the Order’s Leader herself, Briana. As the woman put her foot down, putting a halt to the argument before it could devolve into something physical, Katherine hovered over to Aiden.

“I’ll take one,” she said, keeping her voice quiet enough to not interrupt what was going on. “Good thing you didn’t make cinnamon rolls, I might’ve taken more.” Katherine let out a small chuckle, plucking a cookie from the tray Aiden was holding.

She overheard Lysander’s response to Briana’s order, and the Padawan rolled her eyes. Of course the Princeling is affronted to something.

“Shii-Cho sucks.. it’s ancient.. who even uses that anymore?”

“Practitioners of Form Six, perhaps?” She replied, her tone dripping with just a dash of sarcasm. “Niman takes on elements of all previous forms, you can’t properly learn it without first understanding Form One.”

With that, Katherine took a bite out of her cookie and hovered back over to where Lorn was standing.

 

[Aiden Porte]

Aiden froze in place as Briana Sal-Soren spoke her words. His fathers caught his attention and he immediately shut his mouth, but then hers was something of some scary holofilm. But putting aside his childish antics, he knew that she was indeed correct.

“Shii-Cho sucks.. it’s ancient.. who even uses that anymore?”

He kinda gave a nudge to Lysander von Ascania as he leaned in to speak. "We should probably just agree for now and leave the objections for a later time. This is a battle that is not going to be won."

The Jedi Padawan took a deep breath and he then smiled as there were those that began to take the cookies. He was quite please, he hoped they were somewhat good. "Please, honest opinions my friends. What do I need to improve on and such." The Padawan chuckled.

“I’ll take one,”

“Good thing you didn’t make cinnamon rolls, I might’ve taken more.”

"Katherine, it's good to see you." The Padawan spoke with a small and small nod. "I will keep cinnamon rolls on my next treat to make."

Aiden then made his rounds about the room, moving towards Cerys Dyn and then to Lorn Reingard and Kahne afterwards.

"Cookies, my friend?" Aiden inquired holding the plate out to Cerys if she wanted to take a few.

Zaiya Ceti Lossa Aureus Tycho Arak