(Private) Meeting a master

[Karraala]

[member="Wu Yeoh-Mei"]

The young Karta'Esh strode up the stairs to the temple. She could feel the peace of this place, the tranquility. She gazed fascinated at the aliens that walked besides humans through the corridors or stood in twos or small groups around, discussing things. Beings she had never seen the likes of before. Many were wearing robes. She wondered whether those were the fabled Jedi.

"Excuse me." She approached a robed human with a slight bow. "Can you tell me where to find the master Noriko Ike or Wu Yeoh-Mei? Admiral Sala'dine said they might help me."

A moment later, she followed the indicated direction.

 

[Wu Yeoh-Mei]

[member="Karraala"]

Wu looked up as she had been setting out food for the younglings and padawans who were in the temple. "Welcome." She said it and stood there wearing her robes as they gleamed with black dream and vine silks. Connected to her in the force and the petite Jin jedi was ready for anything that they might be able to see. She was uncertain about a few things like where one of the Ike's were there were several of them in the temple and far more in the galaxy. "I am Master Mei however."

 

[Karraala]

"My name is Karraala Nobrel su Ger'Ar." She bowed elegantly, one hand on the hilt of her metal sword to stabilize it. Her voice was soft and purring, the accent quite noticeable but her Basic was good enough to be understood. "I have come to this place from a faraway planet in search for a teacher. Admiral Sala'dine has sent me to you as one of the best suited teachers."

She produced a letter from a pouch on the belt, girding her red tunic, which had an unusual cut. The letter was rolled up and sealed with red seal laquer.

"The first of my house sends this depeche to ensure the Jedi of his regards and as a letter of recommendation to me." Karraala offered the letter to master Wu. Her ears straight and her tail in a medium high position while keeping her body poised, indicating formality, but also confidence. Only the quiver of her tails tip showed the hint of nervousness and eagerness she felt, hoping this master would take her in and teach her how to best use her special powers.

 

[Wu Yeoh-Mei]

[member="Karraala"]

The jedi master looked at her and the sword.. the letter... the tail... the tail was adorable and she was looking at her. "Well okay, I have cookies and milk." She said it and offered a glass of milk for dunking cookies within it. She offered them as well before moving around. "So you came to the jedi because your house wanted you to? Does that mean you wanted to be a jedi though?" A small question, she knew a few jedi who did it for obligation and became resentful of the position.

 

[Karraala]

How tiny that woman was. Even smaller than herself. But that did not matter right now. Skill does not necessarily require great strength or a huge build. But a powerful master serving food to children? Yet, she was quite certain she recognized the stance of a trained fighter.
The Karta'Esh accepted milk and cookies gracefully. Sharing food was a sign of hospitality after all. So she concidered herself a guest now.
"Thank you." She exclaimed and sniffed at the cookie. Humans loved chocolate in their sweet things, so she had to be careful.
Karraala sipped some milk. It tasted fresh and good.

"My houses First did not send me here. He wanted me to stay by his side. But when he could not convince me, he did his best to aid me in getting accepted here." The girl explained. "I want to learn about the force. Captain Amboora said the best people to go to were you, the Jedi. So I came here." She allowed herself a shrug. "Whether the Jedi are the right teachers for me or not, I can not say. I do not know you enough for that." She smiled with ears, eyes and lips, though without showing her teeth. "There is only one way to find out, right?"

 

[Wu Yeoh-Mei]

[member="Karraala"]

She looked at her. "That doesn't answer the question though. Whether the jedi are the right place for you is questionable. Approaching it as just somewhere to go cause your are curious. Being a jedi is a commitment to a cause, to the study of the force. No jedi master wants to dedicate time and energy they could give to one of the padawans on a passing flight of fancy." She said it but was looking at the padawan or potential padawan. She was trying to get a feeling and understanding of her.

 

[Karraala]

[member="Wu Yeoh-Mei"]

"I know from the tales that you do good. You help people, protect them. That is honourable and I would be honoured to fulfill these duties." Her eyes gleamed as she thought of those tales, retold for milennia among the humans on her world. Twisted into myth and legend by the long time. "But that is all I know about the Jedi. I come from a world that was cut off from the rest of the galaxy for a long time. All we have are human legends. To truly answer your question, I would have to learn more first." She looked around in wonder. "That said, I feel the peace of this place. When I stepped onto the grounds, I felt... home. This place already feels almost as familiar as my home town."

Almost without being aware of it, she made a decision. "I want to be a Jedi, and learn what it means to be one along the way." The girl went down onto one knee in front of the master and exclaimed formally: "For that purpose, I Karraala Nobrel su Ger'Ar, pledge myself to the Jedi, as long as it does not send me against my house. You have my word I will do my very best to learn and satisfy your expectations." Though it might have sounded pompous, the sincerity of Karraalas vow reverberated through the force. For her, it was the way to do this thing.

 

[Karraala]

[member="Wu Yeoh-Mei"]

"I know from the tales that you do good. You help people, protect them. That is honourable and I would be honoured to fulfill these duties." Her eyes gleamed as she thought of those tales, retold for milennia among the humans on her world. Twisted into myth and legend by the long time. "But that is all I know about the Jedi. I come from a world that was cut off from the rest of the galaxy for a long time. All we have are human legends. To truly answer your question, I would have to learn more first." She looked around in wonder. "That said, I feel the peace of this place. When I stepped onto the grounds, I felt... home. This place already feels almost as familiar as my home town."

Almost without being aware of it, she made a decision. "I want to be a Jedi, and learn what it means to be one along the way." The girl went down onto one knee in front of the master and exclaimed formally: "For that purpose, I Karraala Nobrel su Ger'Ar, pledge myself to the Jedi, as long as it does not send me against my house. You have my word I will do my very best to learn and satisfy your expectations." Though it might have sounded pompous, the sincerity of Karraalas vow reverberated through the force. For her, it was the way to do this thing.

 

[Wu Yeoh-Mei]

[member="Karraala"]

She raised an eyebrow again but wasn't opposed to it, she had been needing to learn how to be a jedi and what it meant on her own within the order. Arisa was many things but she hadn't been the most attentive or there master... so Wu had developed how to be stronger and shape her skills. She motioned for the girl though and was working to help her up. "Very well then, we'll see how you do and this isn't going to be an easy life a jedi's work is dedication to learning, to study and reflection but also to helping others." SHe motioned towards some areas of the temple rooms taking a little bit of the food with her as she walked. "IT would be easier to first get you situationed and in the registers, there is some equipment for padawans."

 

[Karraala]

Karraala let master Wu help her up, nodding eagerly. " I will do my best to learn. And I am not shy of hard work." She followed the human woman. "I have been on campaign with my father before. The first time as I turned twelve. I shared the chores and duties of the other squires. Even though they were older. My father insisted."
The relief of being accepted might have contributed to her excited babbling. Part of it certainly came from her desire to assure master Wu of her capabilities.
Karraala followed the woman through the rooms, wondering what kind of equipment a padawan was issued.

 

[Wu Yeoh-Mei]

[member="Karraala"]

She stopped in the one room, the equipment from the quartermaster was set up. new padawans got a Youngling FIeld Kit, a Sasori Cracken survival kit and Padawan Training Outfit. The gi style was simple yes but it was also some of the most protective material within the jedi order itself. Able to protect from sabers and the older it got the stronger it became. The jedi master was presenting them and a practice training saber for her to use and get used to. She looked up at the larger jedi.. most were larger then her as it was and stretched out fro the padawan. "Here these will be for you and

 

[Karraala]

[member="Wu Yeoh-Mei"]

Karraala looked over the equipment. Some of it looked at least familiar enough to recognize. A water canteen, a bag to carry the equipment, new clothes, all neatly folded and set up in stacks, ear warmers, probably for cold weather. Those wouldn't fit her though. Well, she didn't felt cold easily. There was also a metal rod, not unlike a sword handle, but there was no blade. Master Wu seemed to imply this was a weapon. There was a button, maybe the blade slid out. She had seen hidden knifes that worked that way. Though the blade probably wouldn't be very long.

The Karta'Esh picked it up and pushed the button. A shaft of light shot out of the handle with the buzzing of angry insects. In her surprise, she almost let go of it. "Te wela! This is the fire sword of the jedi? I've heard the legends at home, but they don't do this justice."

The girl turned the handle, looking at the blade from different angles, then gave it an inquisitory swing. Her smooth motions betrayed her martial training. "A good balance. Not as heavy as I'm used in practice swords." Karraala commented before releasing the button and putting it down again, her mind fraught with fascination. She became aware that she might be wasting the masters time. On the other hand, master Wu had only been handing out food. Not exactly a very crucial task.
Next, she felt the padawan outfit's fabric curiously. "Do you wish me to change into these now?" The girl asked master Wu while she looked around, trying to see if they had privacy. Not that it would have been a big problem for her. On campaign there had not been much privacy either. She looked down at the woman neutrally, so small, yet so full of presence, patiently waiting for an answer.

 

[Wu Yeoh-Mei]

[member="Karraala"]

"Well I would prefer you not strip down in the middle of the equipment room. THere are some changing rooms over there." She pointed indicating it and the rest of it. "FOr the saber, a lightsabers blade is weightless." She waited but motioned for her to take her time. There was no rush and the jedi master was checking everything for herself before she was heading around. She had her equipment so they would be able to move around, a grin appearing as she got some of her equipment. "Whenever you are ready we shall continue the tour."

 

[Karraala]

[member="Wu Yeoh-Mei"]

"Yes of course." Came the purred reply. Karraala gathered the padawan outfit and went into a changing room, carefully folding the clothes she had worn before, they had been expensive and representative after all. She then put on the padawan outfit. The quartermaster had been thoughtful in their selection. The outfit even accomodated for her tail.
The girl buttoned up the trousers, adjusting the hole for her tail. Tilting her head, she gazed at herself in the mirror. The sleeveless tunic was of a simple design while allowing full freedom of movement. The fabric felt soft and comfortable. She looked strange in her own eyes.
After attaching the token of house Ger'Ar to her tunic, she felt slightly less awkward.
The only other things she retained from her old clothes were a few belt pouches containing essentials, which she put on the new belt, and her sword, which she girded over the tunic. Oh right, and her boots. The new ones didn't seem to fit the form of her feet right.

When she left the changing room, she asked Wu Yeoh-Mei: "How do I look?" With a slow turn, she gave the master opportunity to inspect her. She then took the training blade from the table and shoved it into her belt, unaware of the attachment clip. But she was careful not to squeeze the activation button. "Weightless, yes. At home we use weighted training weapons to build up strength and stamina." She explained while packing the equipment into the backpack. Each piece seemed to correspond with a fitted compartment. Though she did recognize some of them, other pieces eluded her understanding.
But in the end, she got everything in and the backpack closed. She had made a compact packet of her old clothes, wrapped in her cloak. It was warm enough that she didn't need it right now, anyway.

With a satisfied flick of her tail, the Karta'Esh turned to her new master once more. "I am ready."

 

[Wu Yeoh-Mei]

[member="Karraala"]

She gave a nod of her head to that while seeing her padawan and it was a good look. The training outfit was made from materials to resist and take strikes from the lightsabers after all. The jedi master spoke. "You look good and yes a weighted blade works for building strength and stamina but they are also directional. Lightsabers can be a blade from any angle that you swing it and it will be as much a danger to you if you are not careful."

The moves she went going through and she went into one of the rooms. "Theese are some of the padawan dorms. THe bedding it simple but designed for most species in the galaxy to be comfortable with gel matrisses and it can be sealed in case of environmental needs." Some species relied on breathers for their atmosphere. She moved though it and going tino some fo the rooms that were designed and used for food production.

"We have worked for years to make most of the order self sustaining, work has been put into the infrastructure of the order rather then just roaming around and struggling for the next meal or getting paid by governments." She stretched out though while looking over at some of the other rooms and hoping that her padawan would be able to take it all in. The training rooms. "These are for training purposes, most of the ones developed have hardlight projectors for giving it whatever the teacher needs."

 

[Karraala]

[member="Wu Yeoh-Mei"]

Karraala nodded along as she trodded along. A blade from either angle., yes she had seen that. She wondered how they forged such a blade of light. The girl peeked into an empty dormroom and wondered how they put a gel into a mattress. Wouldn't it ooze out? She was used to straw, horsehair and feathers. "You mean, some beings breathe a different air than us? Like a fish in water, but actual air?" She scratched behind her left ear, trying to wrap her mind around the concept. "How many sentient species live in the galaxy?"

She was glad the Jedi were self sustaining. A house dependent on others was vulnerable.
At the mention of light projectors the girl brightened up. "I know those! Some storytellers use them for shadow plays. They use a lense to project light onto a canvas, and let shadow puppets play out the stories." Finally there was something of technologic she knew, Karrala thought. She was glad she could show master Wu that she wasn't completely oblivious. Unfortunately, she completely misunderstoof what hardlight projectors really were.

 

[Wu Yeoh-Mei]

[member="Karraala"]

Wu thought about it and looked at her. "There are many lets just say that of species in the galaxy. Sometimes one for every system... and sometimes more with even now new systems being discovered everyday as some parts of the galaxy are slowly being discovered." Or recovered as it might be with everything that had happened. She was moving around the room though and opened the one door leading out into the garden with a small look at the padawan. The meditation gardens were simple with rocks and plants but she also had a small dispenser while touching it to deploy a rekali sphere. Roughly the shape of a ball with a mirror finish and nothing visible sensor wise. It started hovering in the air and opened small slots on itself to reveal different weapons. "We can start here, the first lesson is to build a comfort level with your stance and how you hold the blade."

 

[Karraala]

"So many different species. All of them sentient. And they breathe different air." Karraala wondered. "I can't wait to see them all."

The garden was nice. And it breathed calmness. At least, that was how Karraala would have described the feeling she got from it. And then, master Wu released a floating, mirror like ball. The Karta'Esh focused on it immediately. "How shiny." She commented, following the sphere with her eyes and ears.
A hint of smugness entered her body language, when master Wu mentioned getting comfortable with her stance and blade. She was already quite comfortable with it, and she intended to demonstrate it to the human woman.
With a fluid motion, she drew the training sword from her belt, her muscles guiding her limbs naturally into a stable yet flexible fighting stance. Equal weight on both feet, the blade forming one line with her body centre. Since she was not wielding a shield, Karraala kept her profile narrow, holding the blade between herself and an imagined opponent, not too far extended, while keeping her free hand losely behind her, a counterweight to her tail, helping keeping balance. She pushed the button on the hilt, the blade of light extending like it had before. The Padawan wondered whether she could parry with this, or if it acted like fire, burning things, but not stopping them.

When the sphere opened slits, revealing little nozzles and pins, the girl asked master Wu: "Do you want me to hit it? I would not like to break the sphere. It must be expensive."

However, it seemed the sphere itself answered the question, a tiny bolt of light and energy exiting one of the slots, hitting Karraala in the shoulder. "Ouch!" Her blade had moved instinctivly, but a fraction too late, to intercept. "Qei ta ferch?" There lay much more surprise than pain in her exclamation. Really, it had merely been the tiniest of zaps. It served however to earn Karraalas full attention for that sphere. She kept her blade between herself and it, waiting for the next zap, which she would parry successfully, now that she was prepared.

 

[Wu Yeoh-Mei]

[member="Karraala"]

"The exterior of the sphere is inth metal, we have developed it to be hardy in trainning purposes like this." She watched the sphere and it moved around, twisting and rising then lowering.. darting back and forth before adjusting to show different weapons. "The rekali sphere though offers over a dozen different training types from stun shots to more dangerous flamethrowers and acid spitters... and." She trailed off as the sphere shimmered and used its cloaking device. The microcrystals along the exterior letting it bedn the light around it and be harder to see.

 

[Karraala]

"That sounds like harsh training, flamethrowers and acid spitters. You do intend for the padawans to stay alive, I hope?" It was friendly banter, for the most part. But with such an arsenal on hand for mere training, Karraala wondered how harsh a fight in earnest would turn out.
She kept her focus on the sphere while talking to master Wu, slowly circling it. When suddenly, the device vanished from sight. "Where did it go? How can you bend light. It isn't a reed that you can bend. Or is it?" The zap surprised her, but she intercepted it with the training sword in the nick of time. She was lucky the sphere had not sneaked behind her. She took a swing at where she suspected it to be, and missed. As a reward, she felt a painful sting in her upper arm. The sphere must have taken advantage of the opening in her defense. "How am I supposed to fight this thing?" She asked with awakening frustration. Her ears turned back and forth, trying to pick up any sound, any movement, but she could not make it out. "Silent but deadly... the worst kind." The girl murmured.

But still, despite not seeing nor hearing anything that would help her, she felt something. Like a tug on her mind. The Karta'Esh turned to her right just as a small flash indicated another of those stingy little sparks. She lead the training sword into the way, and it absorbed the spark. A triumphant purr grew in her throat, only to be rudely interrupted by more sparks that she missed in her distraction. "Ir fach!" The young padawan exclaimed in her native language.