Working in the Shadows to Serve the Light

[Baalagor]

The Jedi Shadows. A sect of the Jedi that only a select few had even heard of, and even fewer than that were able to claim membership. Regarded by most as the elite of the Order, they were a group only spoken about in whispers or hushed tones. None knew of their true identities, thus allowing them to operate under the utmost secrecy with as few interferences as possible. To even be considered for joining was an honor.

It was this same faction that Syala had set out to at the very least learn more about, if not join herself. Certainly this was a daunting task for any Jedi, let alone a mere Padawan. But, while not overconfident in her skill, she was assured enough that she would have a chance. If not, there was nothing lost, only experience gained. In a nutshell it was a win-win scenario, and one she didn't intend to pass up.

But today she wouldn't be meeting with any of the members, as far as she was aware. Instead it would be merely a talk with Master Sinopi on the finer points of what was required, in order to prepare her for what would come, should she choose to pursue such a path. It wasn't an easy choice, then again, the most important ones never were simple. This would possibly decide her entire future as a Jedi.

Where this talk would take place was the gardens of the Silver Temple on Voss, a lush, serene place filled with beautifully exotic plants of every variety. Silently she waited, sitting cross-legged in a small clearing, meditating with her hands in her lap. This was a time for deep thought and reflection, and she was in the perfect place to do so. Only a matter of time.

[member="Coci Sinopi"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Syala Daivik"]​

​

She could sense the girls presence up ahead and as Coci turned the corner her physical presence came into view. However, Coci's would not. Shrouded in the force concealed from eyes and sensors Coci drifted through the gardens, she is training, self training and keeping up a very powerful skill. No sound would she make as she walked ever closer to Syala and regarded her as she did so. Shadows must refine skills, train in those that benefit them for their duty and Coci had done this with purpose and clarity in her direction. Would this girl be capable of this? would see have the mentality to become something that resides on the fringe. Well time would tell of course.

However, she would not remain hidden long but rather than simply appear before the girl Coci moved off and uncloaked before stepping out from behind some thick bushes.

"You wanted to see me, Syala", she said on approach, to Master Harrison's apprentice. "Please remain seated", Coci added sitting down next to her.

 

[Baalagor]

Absorbed in both thought and meditation, it took Syala a beat or two to fully recognize that another individual had arrived, and that the secondary presence wasn't just the stirrings of another vision, such signs typical. But no, this was the one she had requested to speak with, after being instructed, or rather, recommended, to do so by her Master in order to gain some kind of insight into the functionings of the organization. A simple thing, or that was how it was beginning.

Her grey-blue eyes that harbored some sense of knowledge beyond her mere fifteen years of age opened to regard her surroundings as she slowly pulled herself from the cobwebs of the Force, the feeling reminiscent of waking from deep slumber, though she was much more alert. A small smile found her lips, and she remained in her cross-legged position as she was bid, pausing for a moment to allow the woman to settle before she began speaking.

It was likely the senior Jedi was already perfectly aware of why she had asked to see her, but the beginning was always the best place to start. "Thank you for meeting me here, Master Sinopi." Pleasantries out of the way, now the real discussion would begin. "I would like to learn more of those that call themselves the Silver Shadows, and perhaps determine how I would best be integrated into such a sect. I know it's only a possibility, but I believe it would be beneficial to know more, nonetheless." She spoke slowly, carefully, thinking each word through.

And with that, there really wasn't much else to say, or any more thoughts to put forth until she gauged the response her words would receive. There was no doubt in her mind that this would prove to be a worthwhile discussion that brought on more welcome changes to her ever-shifting life as one of the Silver Jedi.

[member="Coci Sinopi"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Syala Daivik"]

Regarding the girl for a moment, knowing she is [member="Connor Harrison"]'s apprentice she considered the possibility. But for now Coci would generalise and to find out if this life is what Syala truly understood and wanted. Connor had advised his apprentice to seek council with her which is good council in itself, to got and independent assessment of her abilities and mind.

"Jedi that take up the duty of Shadows whether that is here in Silvers or elsewhere are called upon to do remove themselves from normal life. Their existence can be a lonely one, isolated and set apart from the rest. Sometimes viewed as being 'other' or unjedi like, and face many many dangers others do not. They are asked to do things other Jedi will not, would not consider doing and a Shadows does this with a pure heart".

She shifted to be more comfortable and to allow the words to play on her mind for a moment. "The darkside is ever present to a Shadow .. as with all Jedi but Shadows become close to it and must be mindful of the dangers of it and mindful of those around them who may fall to it. Vigilance not only to the darkness in the galaxy but within ones self and fellows".

Syala is an apprentice and as such will not join the Silver Shadows until Knighthood. It would considered negligent to place an apprentice in such a position without strength and training.

"Tell me, what is your training programme? If one was to consider becoming a Shadow I would advise structuring your training around areas that would benefit your ability to become one and to be able to best equip yourself to protect yourself and others you server to protect".

 

[Baalagor]

Silence was her only retort for a moment, and Syala considered all that had been imparted to her within those first few moments. There was an inherent danger there not present in the other paths she could walk within the Silver Jedi, but the risk didn't concern her. If it had, she wouldn't have put herself into this position to begin with. But it wasn't as if she was seeking out anything inherently hazardous either. It was just a fact of life, another facet that made up the complex crystal of those that called themselves Jedi. Regardless of whether this ultimately worked out, that crystal would still remain whole, simply altered to encompass what would come of her life.

The easier answers would come before her own understanding of what had been said, and it was those replies she would give first. "That depends entirely on the day. Lately we've been maneuvering towards more combat oriented training in the way of lightsaber combat, but nothing concrete in the way of a form has been established. I suppose you could say we're still testing the waters in that sense." It would certainly take some getting used to, that much she knew without admitting it herself. But self-defense was just as necessary as any other lesson, if not more, given the dangers that came with simply affiliating herself with the Jedi. It was willingly she walked down this path, however.

Finally she decided to simply speak her mind. "I'm not contemplating this path to intentionally seek out whatever dangers may be present, but I'm not going to claim that I'm completely aware of all that I might face on the battlefield. What I am is perfectly willing to do whatever must be done in order to preserve our way of life and help keep all those inhabitants of the galaxy safe, including those I call friend that reside in this Temple. If that includes any sacrifices on my part, then so be it." Weighted words, for one so young, and there was a certain naivety there given her general inexperience. But she was both ready and willing despite this.

It wouldn't be easy, and it would only become more challenging as time wore on, especially if she was accepted into the Shadows, but it was a task she would welcome if it meant bettering life for those other Silver Jedi and otherwise. It was a price they all had to pay, in the end. Some just went forth more willingly than others.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Syala Daivik"]

As she regarded the young girl as she spoke her mind, Coci intruded a little around her. Force tendrils reaching out to touch her aura to search for knowledge of her more. Her force presence pulsed with life, controlled but yet still heavy with the natural strength within her. Her centered energy concentrated within her slender frame and she detected no ill words or intent. Coci had to do this, imperative to the Shadows to be diligent in access one that is potential for this calling.

Not everyone can be a shadow, not everyone has the will or drive or determination but the girl next to her does and that alone would be in her favour. Only a small smile raised the corner of Coci's lips, as she concluded.

"Master Harrison, will see you trained well. However if you wish to seek another for guidance I would be happy to do so, if you so wish", she started. "Saber training is good, and continue with improving and finding your skill in it. As you are aware it will be a valuable tool if you do enter the conclave of shadows. But the saber is not the only tool of a Shadow, or for a Jedi for that matter, think on skills that if you find yourself in need, will protect you as well as those you protect in situation where a saber is of little use".

"Forgive my intrusion into your training program, but think of skills like Art of Small or Concealment to aid you further. These are very advanced skills but you must start somewhere, even if you begin to get an understanding of these skills that would be a good start. And I would be happy to help".