Padawan Perils (For Mr AZ)

[Thomas_III]

Ilena blushes furiously, surprised that her master would ask her opinion on such a subject. Such things are meant for the masters to argue and discuss, not someone such as herself. Padawans are not meant to be political entities. Still, he had asked, so she feels compelled to answer to the best of her ability.


“I do not know what to think of Skywalker, Master. If even Master Yoda has uncertain feelings about him, then surely I cannot fathom the workings of the Force enough to determine if he is our salvation or damnation. I can only see what is known of his exploits against the Separatists, which suggests great promise. As for the war, I cannot say that either side is right, as both have valid reasons behind their involvement. I would rather that war be avoided, though I know that the actions of both sides have almost made that impossible.”

[NoiselessKnife]

Master Alden doesn’t really care about what padawans are or aren’t, he knows his apprentice is wise enough as to give a simple opinion, even if he knows that it won’t be a Master’s one, he doesn’t care, he wants her to be able to give her own opinion about things around her and he’s interested on that opinion, not to mention that he wants her friend to know that opinion too, time will come, overall in war, when friends face each other’s opinions about the war they are in, he wants that to have a least some background.

He listens to the girl, no surprise in his features as she explains her point, as she finishes he nods, proud. “That was a good comment, my padawan, thank you for sharing it” He’s relieved that her opinion has not changed due the imprisonment, he had not the time to talk to her as he wanted and feared that she would go like many other Jedi, blaming the Separatists for everything bad and making the Jedi look like heroes of the universe, that, in his humble opinion, they have failed to be in some cases, most times due the own rejection of feelings everywhere. He doesn’t comment on that, he wants his padawan to form her own opinion and half regrets having hinted his own on his previous comment about Skywalker.

Roni looks at Ilena as she speaks, not knowing what to make out of that really, she’s not been in the battle that much, and she knows little of each side’s reasons beyond what’s of common knowledge or what’s been taught to them in the academy, as for Skywalker, well, she has barely seen him and has not paid that much attention to him, some of his wins are amazing, but there’s something missing on them, even if she’s not sure what right now.

The younger kid finishes her cake, licking her lips a bit as she is deep in thought on that subject.

Alden notices that, but doesn’t push the younger child into speaking, one, it’s not is right, two, she’s young and inexperienced, he’s not sure that she has even formed an opinion about this yet.

[Thomas_III]

Ilena makes a happy sigh, glad that her master had approved of her opinion. She had been hesitant to offer it, but she felt much more comfortable, now. Eldton has his own opinions of Skywalker, though, and he's ready to share them.


“If he brings balance to the Force, it will be because he made that decision, and not because of some prophecy. We make our own fates, and shape our own destinies. Personally, I think that both those who put so much faith in him, and those who have none, are both taking the situation too seriously. They point to his late inception as proof of the danger, which I personally find insulting. The very idea that a person can't safely handle the Force unless they've been brainwashed from birth is ridiculous.”

[NoiselessKnife]

The old master smiles at his padawan before turning to the younger Master as he speaks, he listens quietly before nodding, the Master has interesting points of view.

“We would have to define many things for that question, Master Bro” He mentions calmly. “And you’re right, we shape our own destinies, but we shape it the way we want, but also the way we need and the way we learn from those who guided us, his late inception is but a excuse the Council likes to give, and also a defense of the ways the temple has acted, of taking newborns and raising them as Jedi.” He mentions. “If the boy had been over 13 years old the council would still have complained about breaking two great traditions, and still, they would have let him in, the boy has great connection to the Force, they can’t deny that, but with such unwillingness from the Council, and with also unwilling teachers, companions and not yet ready guides, what has the boy left to hold to?” He ponders as he finishes his drink and orders the check.

After paying it he nods to the Master. “Your opinions are not common, Master Bro, and don’t take that as an offense, in places and times like this having a different way to see things is our best gift, even if this lunch is over I would be interested in asking you some insight on some matters, if that’s ok for you” He is interested on hearing a Master’s opinion on some subjects that he can rarely mention without being stared at, and, even if he considers Ilena an advanced student, he would like her to have her opinion on certain matters before talking about them with her.

Roni glances at the graying Master as he speaks, she wonders if her Master is right, she gueses he should be, but, do they really make their own fates? It feels otherwise, they are there to become Jedi or fail; she was about to fail, that was her fault, yes, but what about those who turned 13 before they were picked up by a Master? How did they decide their fate?

What her Master commented last calls her attention a bit too, “Brainwashed?”, she glances at Ilena, they were not brainwashed, were they? The kid looks down again, trying to get her mind off those thoughts.

[Thomas_III]

Eldton glances up as he begins to stand, nodding in reply to the older Master.

“Of course. I’m always willing to discuss topics that are important to the Order or the Republic. It’s difficult to speak about political ideas around many of the masters. They are too set in their ways consider that there are other options.”

In many ways, he sees the Council as nothing more than enlightened politicians, which makes them only slightly better than normal politicians. They make decisions that impact a great many more people than just the Jedi, even if they may have good intentions behind their acts. He can’t help but wonder, though, how much of what they say and do is based solely on their own foolish pride. Hearing an old master admit being wrong is something that he’s yet to have experienced.

Ilena gets the idea that her own master will be accompanying Roni’s for the afternoon, leaving her with busying herself elsewhere. She believes that Roni has classes, so she isn’t sure how she’ll spend her time. Getting up out of the seat, she moves to Alden’s side to aid him as he walks.

[NoiselessKnife]

“I get you in that Master Bro, but that is not really good for a place like this, times change, Jedi haven’t change for good even if it looked like if we had with the Russan reformation” He said calmly as he got his own crutch and leaned against it, he saw his padawan com to his side and smiled at her, using his free hand to ruffle her hair gently, trying to discourage her from that as she might get hurt if he loses his balance against her.



“Stop doing that, my padawan, you might hurt your back and I won’t fall, I’m old and half crippled, but I’m not falling yet”He told her, as if proud of that, he’s not that old but has seen more battles than many and his weakness will go away in a few days.

He turns to Eldton and nods. “There are many things that are going in a direction we might not be ready for” He says as they walk to Eldton’s car. “I won’t impose my presence to you, I’m not sure of your schedule today, Master Bro, when would you like us to continue this conversation?” He asks seriously, if the Masters states that today would be better then he would let Ilena with her friend or with the studies he has given her, he’s almost sure that she would enjoy that.

Roni follows at her master’s side, as always, a step or two behind him while she checks her clock, she has still time, little, but still has time before biology class, she glances at Ilena, wondering what would happen today after class.

[Thomas_III]

“I’m just worried about you, Master. I won’t break, either.”

Ilena continues to stay at her master’s side, apparently as stubborn as the older master can be. As odd as it would seem, stubbornness seems to be a common trait among the Jedi. Once they’ve set their mind on something, then they’re determined to see it through. Ilena has apparently learned this trait quite well, as she has no intention of abandoning Alden to move on his own, no matter how much he insists it of her.

“I’m just going to stand here so you have something to brace against if you need it. If you’re alright on your own, then I’ll just be walking with my master.”

Ilena smiles, as if this is some small victory for her. Eldton can’t help but grin at the padawan’s tenacity. As he guides the group back to his aircar, he continues with the conversation with the other master.

“I can accompany you back to your quarters. Roni has a class this afternoon, and I’m sure that Ilena will trust me to keep an eye on you. I’m sure that you’ll appreciate the chance to not have her hanging to you for every step.”

Ilena pouts at the comment, but minds her tongue, wondering what class Roni has. Perhaps she could follow her to sit in on it.

[NoiselessKnife]

The Master knows how she worried about him and he’s touched, but he doesn’t want her hurt at all. Still, he’s proud of her tenacity yet he hopes he has taught her well the difference between tenacity and complete stubbornness seen on other Jedi.

“Ok, ok, you win this round, my padawan” The graying haired Master told her calmly as he followed master Eldton, smiling at the girl’s antics, he’s pretty proud of her, he has taught her well.

He turns his attention to the younger Master as they arrive to his air car, the accommodations being just like the first time. “That would be a good option for me” He nods, smiling to his padawan’s pout.

The younger girl looks at Ilena before minding the city, she seems distracted by the whole noisy and shaking aspect of the city, a sharp contrast with the academy, well, mostly, not at all times.

[Thomas_III]

Once she’s settled her master in the front seat next to Eldton, Ilena hops into the back to sit next to Roni. She isn’t sure what she’s going to be doing when she gets back to the temple, since she’ll respect her master’s desire to speak privately with Eldton. Instead of worrying about it, she looks over to Roni to find out what the other girl will be doing for the rest of the afternoon. Maybe they could train some more.

“Roni, do you have any classes this afternoon?”

Eldton waits for the girls to settle down before pulling away from the building and back into the traffic lanes. It would only take a few minutes to return to the temple, depending on how quickly the lanes are moving for him.

[NoiselessKnife]

The Master sets down in his seat, it's still a bit tiring but he is strong still, that's what gives him a certain amount of pride.

Roni looks at the other padawan and nods gently. "I have Biology" She mutters as she acomodates to look at her, well to go from her and down instead of out.

The lanes are, as always, quite crowded, but it takes Eldton like fifteen minutes to arrive.