Private Stealth Study

[Metis Athena Elpis]

Metis was studying the variations of different force powers. While Metis wasn’t exactly weak, she could enhance her physical abilities to be a match of a swordsmen to any other padawan, her ability to harness the force externally was difficult at best. She could make a rock move even come to her, but was nowhere near the level of power some of the Masters were. She was barely competent at best. External physical applications of her power were elusive.


She was looking forward to the upcoming lesson, as a potential step in the right direction. Force Stealth or Force Concealment seemed to be a mixture of both physical lowering of your presence and of projecting your desired presence in the force externally.

Metis was trained in stealth and camouflage as a Handmaiden of Naboo she was even able to project herself a persona of the Queen herself if the circumstances warranted it. The Naboo Handmaidens could portray themselves as the queen so convincingly their own mothers couldn’t tell the difference. Metis could avoid being seen if she wished, but to disappear entirely. That was a rare gift. Currently Metis was reading an article from an old jedi manual, she wasn’t sure if there was a distinction or even difference between Force Stealth and Force Concealment. As far as she could tell the terms were interchangeable.

Metis was puzzled and confused. She had an academic mind, she preferred knowledge to be direct and to the point. 2+2= 4; practicing martial arts strengthened your skills; reading about cultures created greater understanding. While dedication of study did increase knowledge, maybe even intelligence, it didn’t make her wise. The difference between what you learn in a classroom or book and life experience. Sometimes she wondered if that was part of the problem. Mathematicians who invented space travels weren’t constrained by simple addition; great warriors were so because they survived battles; diplomats explored the galaxy to broaden the mind.


Metis grunted in annoyance at this inverse detriment that her bookishness created within herself. It was at that moment she glanced at the time.

“Not again!” Metis scrambled to get her things together, putting on her padawan training robes, shoving her holopad in her backpack she ran out the door.

“Karabas!” Metis cursed with bitterness. She knew she had developed a reputation for being late to classes. Unfortunately her only excuse was that she had lost track of time studying. Which sounded like a very bad made up excuse, but in her case it really was the truth.



“Get your head out of the books Metis or you might end up loosing it in the real world!” Metis grumbled to herself. Metis fled down the hallway even applying some Force techniques to enhance her physical abilities. Metis was so intent on getting there in haste, she actually ran past the training room designated, skidding to a halt she burst open.

“I’m sorry I’m late Master. I was…”Metis sighed “studying”



Report

Ilwynog Cysgod

 

[Ilwynog Cysgod]

Ilwynog put on their armour as they woke from a light slumber, it had been awhile since they had last been on Commenor, having decided to work on some missions in the Eternal Empire hearing whispers that they were attacking the SJC allies, the Galactic Alliance. The infiltration hadn't truly started but Ilwynog was curious about rebels and sympathisers to the EE's cause and working with them to then infiltrate the EE itself if they were able to get the chance. However, that was something to examine in the future and they were called back to the SJC territory to report on their progress and what they were doing, it was frustrating having to report but it made sense and checking in was good for Ilwynog. Being around criminals and cruel people often gave Ilwynog a cynical view on the galaxy as they only ever really saw the worst in people so being around Jedi and seeing good people, although a little naive at time was refreshing.

Stepping out of their room, Ilwynog grabbed their cloak and draped it over themselves. Their armour was bulky and the helmet was covered by the hood of their cloak. Wandering through the temple as they checked the time, they were going to be early for the session but from what they learnt about their student today, she was typically late so it didn't matter if they were early. And gave them time to prepare for the training and figure out what they might need, in case the former handmaid wanted to spar, use the Force or whatever she wanted to learn. It was not difficult to find information but it was interesting to read about the Padawan and see what they could interpret. Being a Jedi Shadow, Ilwynog had to understand people understanding and their motivations as it helped Ilwynog manipulate them when they were undercover.

Standing by the door, Ilwynog used to cloak their presence in the Force and then hide from sight. Curious to see how Metis would react to entering a room which was empty. They weren't waiting too long after the time organised to meet had passed, Metis rushed into the room and after a brief moment, Ilwynog made their presence noticed in the Force and visible. "Greetings Padawan, you are late. Being late is not acceptable, being invested in your studies is good but it should not consume your life." Ilwynog spoke in a firm, robotic genderless tone. "Now, what are you expecting to gain from this class?"

Metis Athena Elpis

 

[Metis Athena Elpis]

Metis glanced around frowning and a bit frazzled. She had burst into the room without thought stammering her excuses. It was looking like the Master was late to the lesson as well. Metis breathed a sigh of huge relief. Which lasted all but five seconds.

Metis yelped and jump jerking around to face the presence that had revealed themselves. Metis automatically took a defensive stance, balancing on the balls of her feet her arms raised to either strike or defend herself accordingly. She wasn't used to being snuck up on.

Metis registered that it was a Jedi Master, one who then proceeded to scold Metis for her lack of punctuality. The comment that studying shouldn’t consume her life, caused Metis to blush in embarrassment. It wasn’t the first time she had heard that criticism, usually it was in jest with friends but occasionally like now it had some bite. Usually it was just her mother who caused her to feel that way, particularly with some sort of jibe at her bookishness and lack of ‘real’ experience in the world.


Metis was still reminiscing about that when she was caught off guard by the Jedi Masters first question.

Metis stood awkwardly realizing she was still in a defensive stance she adjusted to be at parade stance, before realizing that might not be much better than a martial arts stance, so relaxed her posture with her hands clasped in front of her. The traditional stance of a Jedi before a Master.



“Uhm..”Metis paused as she gathered herself to think about the question and her answer. “I suppose I would like to know- to learn how to harness the Force in such a manner to conceal myself, just as you were just doing Master”

Metis wasn’t sure if that answer was sufficient so decided to elaborate.

“I have been trained to blend in a crowd, and I can loose a tail if necessary. I can even pose as a Queen of Naboo convincinly enough that the Queen’s own mother wouldn’t recognize her.”

Metis stammered

“My mother however could always pinpoint the difference. She claimed it was just Echani nature to read body language, that my stance was as loud as me shouting at her”

Metis grimaced as she got off topic, she thought it best to bring it back to the presence.

“I suspect however she just used her force abilities to sense my presence. I would like to be able to conceal my presence in such a manner that no one would be able to identify me as a threat. I think it’ll be a useful skill in my life. Perhaps even a crucial one when I’m travelling across the Galaxy”

Ilwynog Cysgod

 

[Ilwynog Cysgod]

Watching the Padawan fumble for words after their strict tone, it was a slight curse of their robotic voice changer, hard to understand tone at times though Ilwynog was not a fan of people being late. Their time was precious since they were busy with figuring out crime syndicates and enemy factions, while they have enjoyed training Padawans, it was also distraction at times from being a Jedi Shadow. Nodding their head, learning how to conceal their presence in the Force and from sight was a very useful skill. "Learning to conceal your presence in the Force and from sight is an important skill, especially for a Jedi Shadow. Echani can tell a lot from body language and it could be as unique as a fingerprint but I do not know myself." They weren't Echani but had learned a lot about the people, few could fight as well as an Echani in hand to hand combat.

"When concealing your presence in the Force, this skill doesn't remove your Force presence but shrinks it to tiny presence that would be hard to distinguish between yourself and others. There is also making yourself invisible from sight as well, mixing the two is a tricky balance but possible if you want to be truly invisible. To use Force Concealment, you need to understand how the Force works, and how it flows from your body as well as how other Force Users can sense you. Understanding how the Force flows from yourself allows you to shrink it and contain the Force within yourself." Ilwynog explained as they closed their eyes and felt their Force flowing from them. Slowly they reduced their Force presence, allowing Metis to feel it slowly dwindle till there was nothing but a whisper of the Force flowing from Ilwynog.

Opening their eyes and looking at Metis, "while you might not be able to reduce the Force this much, being able to shrink it at all would be a step in the right direction which is all that we should aim for. Might be best that we sit so that we can talk and work on this, since it will take time and standing around is not the most comfortable position." Ilwynog then gestured and sat on the floor.

Metis Athena Elpis

 

[Metis Athena Elpis]

Metis watched the Masters body language closely, they seemed frustrated and tense. Most likely for her tardiness, or so she believed. It was possible he was having a reaction to something else, but Metis was part Echani body language was just as an important communication as actual words. Even more so when you considered people weren’t always entirely truthful with their language. That’s not to say everyone was sociopathic liars, often times people restrained themselves for social interactions to avoid being rude, there was also the fact that many people lied to themselves as much as others. Few people considered their own emotions and thoughts before speaking. Admittedly most Jedi were the exception to that rule.

Metis had caused this tension the best way to smooth the ruffle was too pay attention and prove that she was a capable student and a fast learner at that. Metis paid close attention to what the Master was saying. Understanding how the Force interacts with you and others, was pretty standard to harnessing any force abilities. Learning two abilities though, to harness that to a level of skill so that you can balance both of them, that was a challenge. Metis focused on Master Ilwynog while he shrunk himself, when he started to fade she closed her eyes to try and sense him within the Force. Nothing.



Metis flickered her eyes open, she reacted in surprise at the Masters suggestion to well relax and socialize. She hadn’t pegged him for the social type.

“Uh yes Master of course”

Metis fell back on her diplomatic training and graceful sat in a relaxed position, if a little awkwardly.



“…Well when I harness the Force, it’s like when you start stretching your muscles before a work out or martial training… then it’s like meditating on a thought, sometimes it’s as easy as taking a breath …other times it’s like I have a migraine.”

Metis admittedly a little embarrassed.

“I can harness the Force to enhance my physical abilities easily enough, it’s just another aspect of my training. Using it for my senses is the next step a level up, being able to sense where everyone in the room is how the feel through the Force. Using the Force to affect my physical environment though… that is the most difficult.”

Metis grimaced.

“For example. I can deflect blaster fire without though, but I can barely move a rock without a mild headache”



Metis frowned as she thought it through.

“I suspect its because of my previous training as a handmaiden and Echani. Physical combat is like dancing, it’s even enjoyable to a certain extant, of which I’m weary of. Reading other people there moods, emotions thought. I had similar training for diplomatic purposes.”

“but… affecting my physical environment through the Force… it’s too abstract for me to grasp”



Metis sighed in frustration at her limitations.

“I guess that’s why I want to learn Force Concealment. It bridges the gap from physical enhancement to my force sense to a force ability.”

Metis admitted reluctantly to herself.

“I was hoping using force concealment as a basis. I could build upon other abilities in a similar manner”

Ilwynog Cysgod

 

[Ilwynog Cysgod]

They sat down in an elegant position as they looked over to Metis and she sat opposite them, nodding their head, they listened to the description of Metis's limitations and strengths. It was curiously to hear that the young Padawan struggled so much with basic Force powers like Force Grip, Ilwynog leaned back slightly as they understood what Metis was attempting to do, it was important to understand and be able to use the basics so to suffer with such side effects was troublesome. Even Jedi focused purely on combat and using the Force through combat did not struggle with the basics in the way that Metis seemed to currently. She was young and must be early in her training but it was a concern Ilwynog had. "Being able to use the Force beyond physical enhancement is something most younglings and young Padawans are able to do, I know you came to the Jedi training late, but it must be something to focus on moving forward. Bridging the gap is a good way, but this also sounds like your way of thinking limits your ability, your background is all combat and physical training, from what you have described to me, not necessarily philosophical or understanding how the Force works."

Pausing, Ilwynog wasn't criticising or expressing disappointment, they were just stating things as they saw them in Metis. "The Force can be understood in scientific terms, we have cells in our body that allow us to connect with the Force. However, the Force is also something that is beyond comprehension, something that exists long before we were sentient beings and will exist long after we become nothing but dust. Our connection to the Force allows us to do things that no one else can, however, we must embrace that we will never fully understand how we use the Force and how to use it completely." Ilwynog then decided to discuss how the Force flows from them. "The Force isn't something that is just in Force Users, all living things have the Force flow through them, it can be chaotic and grey but the Force has no real alignment, it just flows through everything. Using the Force is just connecting to this power and training yourself to get stronger with it. Like training your body, the more you use it the stronger you get at it."

"With using the power Force Concealment, you must understand how the Force extends from your body and that restricting the Force's flow from your body is not the same as removing it, from the outside perspective our Force presence is not gone but reduced to the level of someone who could not use Force. To do this, you can picture the flow of the Force from you like an ever expanding bubble, what you are doing is shrinking the bubble till it is deep inside you. Please give this an attempt now, and ask any questions you may have."

Metis Athena Elpis

 

[Metis Athena Elpis]

Metis nodded and sighed with resignation as Master Ilwynog acknowledged Metis weaknesses. It was her fatal flaw, potentially a quite literal one. Metis had survived a few scrapes here and there, but her inability to access even basic force powers. Metis frowned considering what the Master said, her background was mainly physical and combat based, for most of her life that training was a benefit. It had saved her life on more than one occaision. The idea that it may be what was holding her back was troubling.



Metis listened as Master Ilwynog explained his views on the Force. It wasn’t quite the standard schpiel she was used to of light and dark side of the Force, Master Ilwynog apparently had no problems outlining that the Force was grey and morally neutral.

“Most Jedi Masters, try to emphasise the Light side of the force and the risks of falling to the Dark.” Metis objected, more with curiosity than with any moral or religious objection. “Not many on either side expresss the viewpoint of ‘no real alignment’.”



“Atleast not unless they’re trying to justify their actions” Metis mused aloud. She froze blushed in embarrassment realizing how what she said might be interpreted. “Not that I’m saying your trying to justify your own actions Master Ilwynog”

Metis grimaced as Master Ilwynog preached a more common and orthodox saying, albeit without the cliché. “Practice makes perfect” Metis said with a wry disappointed quirk of a smile. It was true she knew, if an sometimes annoying piece of advice. As it did little to actually help Metis succeed, beyond train harder. That’s what she was doing right now wasn’t it? Metis felt a flash of frustration at the thought.



Metis shook herself out of the petty thought, let out a breath and breathed in deeply. Closing her eyes Metis listened to her instructions. The Force as a bubble. It was a relatively new concept, most Masters tried to describe it metaphorically as a river or ocean. If they were going for a more analytical approach they’d describe the Force as almost like particles interconnecting everything. Metis steadied her breathing and reached out for the bubble. She felt Master Ilwynogs presence in the Force. Metis let out a breath at the contact within the Force. As she breathed in she imagined the Force getting closer with that breath, almost as if she was sucking it in. Breathing out it went further. Metis breathed in deep. She felt the Force contract. She felt the Force on her skin, till it was only on her skin. Breaathing in deep she felt it slide through her skin, like concentrating on her blood flow. Metis let out a breath, the Force Bubble expanding as she did so. Metis reached out to the Force and felt the barrier of the Bubble, so that the it encircled herself. Metis breathed in deeply, drawing it into herself so that the bubble encircling her shrunk to the point that it was only covering her heart.

Metis felt a flash of triumph, holding it there, she had done it! She had finally succeeded. Unfortunately she forgot to breath. Metis felt a moment of panic like she was deep under water, she let out a slip of breath which caused the rest to hurtle out. The Force Bubble was unleashed, in a 360 degree as it exploded, so that everything in the room was blasted into the walls.

“Damn it!” Metis screamed in frustration. “I had it!”



It took a moment for Metis to realise the destruction she had caused. “oh”

Ilwynog Cysgod

 

[Ilwynog Cysgod]

Listening to Metis, Ilwynog could not hold back a chuckle as she mentioned other Jedi would take a much narrower view on the Force, they knew that other Jedi were stricter in their dedication to the Light Side of the Force but that wasn't what Ilwynog saw the Force and they had conversations with many others who had different reactions to the Force and how it works. "Well, the Force is something that I personally see as beyond our comprehension, it is something that we can see many use differently such as the Dathomir witches they don't see a Light Side or Dark Side of the Force, just the magic they use to access the Force. But there are others, plenty of others who use the Force very different to Jedi and Sith, so to only view it as black and white then is very limiting and clear narrow view that Jedi of old had. My work has opened my mind to the many ways of the Force and revealed that things can never be seen as clear as black and white as we would like."

"If you are curious whether I use the Dark Side myself? No, I do not, my skills have been honed to allow me to be the best Jedi Shadow I can be. So I had no real need for Dark Side powers, I never judge others for their use of it and I never judge those who wish to dedicate themselves to one side of the Force. I stand against those who wish to take our choice and ability to be free and live our best lives." Ilwynog explained their beliefs and views on things. They noticed the wince from Metis, it was clear that the mention of practising was something already drilled into her, but it was necessary to mention it. Ilwynog had been drilled into training their Force Powers in many ways as well, no matter how boring or repetitive they found it or how many times their Master repeated things over the years. "The bubble of the Force is used for the example in this case because you are expanding and shrinking your Force powers."

As Metis started to practise, Ilwynog remained silent and watched fairly to see how she was doing with the power. It seemed to go fairly well at first then she exploded with the Force, Ilwynog lifted their hand and reflected the Force around them to avoid getting hurt. Destruction around the room was going to take some explanation afterwards but it was a good start. "Seems you need to take things slowly and seems using it through breathing helped but you need to be careful not to link it to breathing. It is a good start, though seems you used Force Repulse more than Concealment." Ilwynog chuckled lightly.

Metis Athena Elpis

 

[Metis Athena Elpis]

Metis frowned in concernation as she considered Master Ilwynogs personal philosophy. The fact that the Force was something beyond their comprehension was one of the few facts that was confirmed by almost all who use or study it. Metis wasn’t quite sure what her personal philosophy on the Force was.

“I‘m not quite sure what my personal philosophy on the Force is… I believe in Discipline and Intelligence, both of which I utilize to expand my own skill and knowledge. Whether it be practical applications like this current lessons or just for my own thirst for knowledge”


Metis paused as she considered what else to say or rather what else she believed in.

“I also believe that such skill and knowledge is wasted talent if it’s not used for the betterment of the Galaxy at large. I believe the Silver Jedi Order is one of only a couple of galactic powers that strives to do the right thing and quite a large part of that is there belief in the light side of the Force.”

Metis looked up guiltily as she realized what she said might be taken as criticism of the Master currently teaching her a very important skill.

“I’m not saying The Force is simplistic or purely light. There’s more than enough evidence of multiple shades… but I have to believe in something to put my faith in something, something that is good.. and well the right thing to do”

Metis grimaced nervously

“I’m sorry if that’s too narrow a mindset for you to acknowledge for yourself, but it’s what I believe.”



Metis nodded firmly and recentered herself this time taking note to be aware of her breathing but not tie her intentional actions to that breathing. Although admittedly Metis had been doing breathing exercises since she was six and could hold her breath for considerable amount of time. It maybe a cheap short cut for now but it could prove problematic if she were using Stealth in the field and had to rely on holding her breath.

Metis felt the bubble reach for the edge of it then thought inward, drawing the circle to herself and holding it within herself directly to her heart. As she did so she felt her heartbelt itself slow down as it did with other meditations. Not enough to be dangerous just a steady rhythm from which she could control her pulse as well as the pulse of her presence in the force to a minimum. Metis held it for a reasonable amount of time before gently letting it go. She looked up with an eager grin.



“How was that?” Metis asked confident in her use of the ability “I can’t wait to use it in the field!”

Metis thought for a moment

“I know I’m not as skilled as Masters like yourself or the Silver Shadows, but I hope to be some day. Maybe even become one some day”

Ilwynog Cysgod

 

[Ilwynog Cysgod]

Ilwynog listened and smiled behind their helmet as they nodded their head. Discipline and intelligence was important in training and Ilwynog could see many Jedi that were followers of that mindset. "Hm, well SJC, and many factions believe that what they are doing is the best for the galaxy. A Sith will tell you that what they are doing is best for the galaxy and improving things, the Bryn'adul believes that their genocide is leading the galaxy to betterment. While we disagree with these ideals and we fight these people, the SJC isn't one of a few factions aiming to improve things. Every faction believes what they are doing is improving things. Just from our view, they aren't, that is all the difference is." Ilwynog instructed, while they were dedicated to the SJC and believed they were doing the best they could, they also acknowledged that many thought the same but were misguided or opposed to them.

"My point isn't to say your beliefs are wrong, or that you shouldn't dedicate yourself to the Light Side, that is your choice and no one should take that choice away from you. However, you will find others will have similar or stronger convictions and beliefs that come from the Dark Side of the Force, and you shouldn't disregard them as being wrong. Understanding and empathising with them is the best way, it can change their views and even help them change the way they behave. If we remain rigid in our actions then things will not improve and we will only make more enemies, not allies." Ilwynog pointed out.

Watching as Metis attempted it again, improving in her ability and getting use to using it not linked to the breathing. It was a good sign and Ilwynog nodded their head approvingly. "It is good to see you are quickly adapting to the power. Once you can do the power without thinking too much about it, the next step is attempting to control the power of concealment and attempt to use the Force at the same time. It is difficult to master but can be crucial in stealth operations." Ilwynog smiled warmly behind their helmet, "also, becoming a Jedi Shadow is definitely a good path to take if you want to, can be tricky and would involve dealing with difficult people and being able to adapt your personality and behaviour to fit in. Can be tricky, learning how to be street smart over being book smart, but crucial for the Order and rewarding when you can help the Order out with gaining important information."

Metis Athena Elpis

 

[Metis Athena Elpis]

Metis listened to Ilwynogs lecture on perspective and looking at things differently. Honestly it reminded her of her history professor’s history curse back on Naboo at Theed University. An entire course on how to be unbiased in your study of history and not judging the past by modern standards. Metis had hated that course, mostly because while lecturing about being unbiased the professor was themselves extremely bias. Although admittedly Master Ilwynog wasn’t quite as self involved about said professor. Metis had to begrudgingly admit that the factions that was listed all believed to the point of fanaticism that they were what was best for the galaxy. It was a pitful she would have to watch out for, the line between passion for what’s right and well fantacism.

Metis listened to the point about being opened to other viewpoints. Metis hoped to be a diplomat someday, she would be expected to engage with people from multiple soceity’s and philosophies. Metis would be exposed to more idea’s then what she would find on Naboo and within the relative safety of the Silver Jedi Order. The whole point of Diplomacy and a Diplomats purpose was to compromise, find middle ground and hopefully a peaceful solution to potentially catastrophic intergalactic political situations. Master Ilwynog was right it could create more enemies and allies.



Metis sighed and nodded reluctantly

“You have a fair point Master… I’d be a pretty poor envoy to only accept the philosophy I know best and am comfortable with. Expecting everyone in the galaxy to agree with me is… naïve at best if not condescending and outright pretentious to a dangerous degree.”

Metis raised an eyebrow with a cheeky grin

“I draw the line at agreeing with genocidal maniacs though”



Metis nodded and tried to access her new ability all the while continuing the conversation. It wasn’t too difficult a task to do like focusing on your pulse or the blood rushing to your fingers or toes. It was the same sort of physiological thought only with the Force ability itself. Metis almost lost her control when Master Ilwynog offered detail about the Silver Shadows. Luckily she managed to reharness the ability before it got away with it.



“You know of the Silver Shadows?” Metis asked incredulously “Not that there's any reason you wouldn’t!”

She supposed she shouldn’t be surprised Master Ilwynog was something of an enigma.

“I mean I’ve only heard of them in passing, most of the other padawans don’t seem to know of them in any detail, and I haven’t quite managed to bring it up with Master Dragonsflame… I mean don’t get me wrong he’s a great Master… I’ve learnt a lot from him, particularly when it comes to my bladework”

“What I mean is. I think it’d be an extraordinary opportunity which I’d like to take if it ever became available to me”

Metis grimaced

“Though admittedly my book smarts outweigh streetmarts” Metis said with a self deprecating smile. “Having said that I have more than enough experience at court… which sometimes can seem as deadly as a back alley”



Metis realized abruptly that it might sound extremely privileged to someone with more experience

“Not that I’m saying life on the streets isn’t dangerous.. or that I wasn't fortunate.. I ”

Metis just sighed and let the thought and conversation go. She was flustered and blushing furiously.

“Never mind”

Metis realized she was rambling again and had lost her focus on the Stealth. Taking a breath she recentered herself and her abilities.
Ilwynog Cysgod

 

[Ilwynog Cysgod]

Ilwynog understood that everyone was bias and held their own views, Ilwynog couldn't help but be bias themselves, however for them it was accepting that view and stating their limitations while moving still being open to being countered, or open to understanding other views. "Haha, no, no. We don't have to agree with these views, it is folly to accept views that contradict your own, just acknowledge they exist, that they can shape another person's being as your own shapes you as a person." Ilwynog mentioned, "I will never think Bryn'adul or Sith will be right or decent as people due to their beliefs in ending our lives and subjugating civilians to harsh, unfair lives."

Chuckling deeply, "I am a Silver Shadow, there was a brief stint where I attempted to lead a new branch of Silver Shadows but now I stick to my own and try to stay out in the field investigating the Sith activity and threats that we need to be aware of as SJC." Ilwynog informed Metis, they were surprised that Metis didn't connect the dots that they were a Jedi Shadow themselves, they assumed it would be clear from their appearance and actions. "It is important to bring these things up to your Master, they can't help you travel down the path that you wish to go down without knowing where your interest lies. I don't know Master Dragonsflame personally, only by reputation, so I understand it can be daunting but he should be helping you become the best Jedi you can be."

Ilwynog had been lucky to be trained by a Shadow so could easily follow their Master down the path that they wanted to go down. "Aye, nothing wrong with book smarts, can help you and others out knowing the information in books but when you are a Shadow, you need to know how to lie, how to be in undercover and how to infiltrate other factions. It can take a lot of street smarts and social understanding that is difficult to learn from a book." Ilwynog shrugged, "I am not too bothered, I learnt a lot from courts and politicians, they can be more cunning and knaving than a drug dealer or street gangs." Chuckling deeply as Metis attempted to backtrack.

Metis Athena Elpis

 

[Metis Athena Elpis]

Metis smiled wryly and nodded as Master Ilwyog clarified the difference between being open to different views, acknowledging they exist without agreeing with them, or their actions. Metis was never going to agree with the Sith or the Brynadul or their actions, but that didn’t mean she shouldn’t learn of them in order to defeat them, as well as learning from them in what she shouldn’t wouldn’t and couldn’t do. Finding a reason for why they fought was just as important as the fight itself. Otherwise they’d just be mindless soldiers following orders, like programmed droids.

"The reasons youf ight for or just as important as the fight itself" Metis quoted from one of her lessons, although she couldn't remember whom she was quoting exactly

“I’m glad you said so, I was beginning to worry there for a minute” Metis teased good naturedly. "Last thing we need is a Master of your caliber falling to the Dark Side. However simplistic you find that distinction to be or complicated your views may be"



Metis leaned in curiously as Master Ilwynog explained his position within the Shadows. Metis was tempted to probe for details about his stint at leadership of his own branch. She wasn’t sure it’d be an entirely tactful or appropriate way for her to do so. Master Ilwynog’s next advice sorted the dilemma out for her.

“Oh don’t get me wrong he’s a fine Master”

Metis considered her next words carefully.

“Well since you mentioned it Master, to ask what questions I should in order to become the best jedi that I can be… what was your role in the Silver Shadows?” Metis asked cautiously “That which you can share with me that is. I know that much of the mission of the Shadows is in and of itself classified and well.. in the Shadows”



Metis sat back waiting for the Masters answer, checking in with her Stealth status as she did so. So far it seemed stable enough. Metis nodded as Master Ilwynog listed the traits and skills needed for a Shadow to harness. While Metis was inherently an honest person, she also knew she was a fine actress. Metis’s duties as Handmaiden had on occaisioned required her to assume a role sometimes even that of the Queen of Naboo herself if that was what was required of the mission and of her by her Queen. It was a skill all Handmaidens learned as crucial as that of combat. A false disguise could just as likely save the Queens life with a good decoy as killing their enemies in combat.

“I… have been required to assume a role in certain situations” Metis agreed cautiously, at times Metis felt like she was being pulled between her loyalty to her position as Handmaiden of Naboo and that of Padawan in the Jedi. Her duties as Handmaiden were quite often classified. If it was common knowledge the Queen used decoys, the decoys would effectively be useless. Metis grunted at Master Ilwynogs analyses of court intrigue.

“Drug dealers and street gangs have fairly simple and direct tactics and motives compared to some of the court room drama I have been apart of. The right marriage can secure an alliance for a generation, the wrong affair can doom it” Metis shook her head “The whole thing can become…. Operatic”

Ilwynog Cysgod

 

[Ilwynog Cysgod]

Ilwynog shook his head with a chuckle, "no, no. I might push the boundary of what a Jedi is but what I do is for the betterment of the Order and the people under our care. The Jedi saved me and brought me up so I owe them a lot." Ilwynog mentioned as they listened to the Padawan. They could sense to curiosity of Ilwynog's background from Metis, being a Jedi Shadow was one of mystery and many were curious to how they could act and whether they were actually Jedi since being a Shadow meant associating with people who are against the Jedi Order and sometimes associating with Sith. Ilwynog nodded when she mentioned that her Master was a fine mentor. "Then telling him your thoughts and wishes is important, allows him to help you down that path."

"I was charged with setting up my own Silver Shadows branch, it had fallen to disregard after several key figures in the SJC had left. My job was to attempt to breath life back into the Silver Shadows and provide it with some structure. I attempted it for awhile but being in charge of people was never why I became a Shadow, I had preferred being in the field and working there." Ilwynog sighed, not dedicating themselves to the Shadows as a leader figure was a regret they had but they were always trying to promote the Shadows and recruit more people to their cause.

Nodding their head, "I had heard that Naboo handmaidens often acted as queen. It is an interesting role to play that I am sure. But this requires more working with criminals, people who you might hate and actions you despise, it is tough to lie and do so convincingly. It can also demand you do to actions that would go against the Jedi code, but we do this to bring peace and prevent our enemies destroying us." Ilwynog explained, they had taken part in actions that if they weren't a Shadow deep undercover then they would be charged as a criminal. "While that might be true, working in the underground, black market or infiltrating the Sith, it can do more damage to your soul than any courtroom. It can corrupt you, why only the most dedicated Jedi should be Shadows."

Metis Athena Elpis