- I like to spend my time here as well. - said a deep, rusty, unmistakeable voice from behind Skal. He was just preparing for meditation, henceforth he was quick to stand up, and turn around.
- Grandmaster Korri. - he said, as he bowed.
- I hope I didn't disturb you. - replied the old Kel'Dor, with the usual, calm tone in his voice he was famous for. They say, no one has ever saw him angry, or even to raise his voice. Not even in the midst of a fight, in which he was participating less and less as the years went by. As soon as the civil war broke out, he made the decision to give every ounce of his time training the young generation. The recent incident on Nal Hutta further justified his beliefs about emotional training; if they want to dodge another inner conflict in the ranks of the Order, they cannot block themselves from feelings altogether. His efforts were not in vain, but he still had a great way to go, especially amongst the other masters.
- No, I was just... well... - he had no idea what to say. Lying would be as effective as trying to avoid an earthquake with sheep kidneys; and he was not sure the Grandmaster would be fond of his meditational goal. After all, the person he would try to contact is an expelled fugitive. A nation wide threat.
His love.
He couldn't possibly knew where she was, but if she died, he would've felt it. Sure about this, he was. But this thought process of his may have made a mark on his facial expressions, because he could see Korri's expression change slightly as well. Not to a lecturer, more like a concerned parent. And for a moment, Skal felt as if something passed through his head. But the feeling went by, as quickly as it came.
- You were preparing to calm your mind, I presume? - asked Korri.
- Yes.
- Hmmm. - hummed the Grandmaster, then he continued:
- You know why I like to meditate here as well?
- I remember something about the Tree being a cojointed place, but like, in the Force, or something like that. - replied Skal, with much uncertainity. He was referring to the colossal uneti tree that stood at the heart of the Coruscant Jedi Temple, in an open area, littered with benches and traditional Jedi rugs for meditational purposes. The area also housed plants from all around the galaxy, as if the Tree pumped them with life. Around the massive trunk, was a narrow stream of water, that connected to a small lake. The Tree was reaching farther up to the sky than any of the 4 towers, in fact, they rebuilt the temple around this very tree after the Bloody War. Rumors say, that when Pho-Fil, the Supreme Chancellor ordered it to be burned alongside the old temple, everything was turned to ashes; except the Tree. No matter how they tried to destroy it, it kept it's ground. No fire, blaster, cannon, or biological weapon could find a weak point on it. The marks are still visible on it's trunk, but since then, it stood still to this day.
- Master Andoth would certainly not be satisfied with that answer. - said Korri. He saw Skal starting to feel a bit ashamed, so he quickly continued:
- Luckily, she cannot hear us now. - he smiled along with this sentence, signalling the young Jedi that this is not a classroom session. It made immediate effect, and the Grandmaster could feel the boy (or to be correct, young adult) ease up a little bit.
- Yeah. She is not really satisfied with me lately. - said Skal, with a quilty undertone in his voice.
- Satisfaction can come from all sorts of places, Skal, it's...
- Yeah, I know, it's just that... - he suddenly stopped, realizing that he, in fact, is talking too much again. Another thing that he recently took up on himself. - I'm sorry, Master, please, continue. - The Grandmaster held a brief pause, then proceeded:
- ...it's as hard for her as it is for you. Whatever she says, it's not against you, rest assured. I know her better than anyone in this temple; I'm sure she is proud of you. She has a lot of reason to be. - he paused again. Skal seemed to ease up a little bit more than before. - Each and every one of us needs time to heal the wounds on our souls. And that takes us back to what I was going to say. - he tilted his gaze towards the Tree. - What you said was true. At least partially. - Skal turned back towards the Tree as well, making sure he listens to every words carefully. The Grandmaster continued:
- The Tree represents every living being in the galaxy. It represents the Jedi Order itself, hope, as it stood through many hardships, even in the nearby past. It's holding a great deal of Force energy at any given time, vibrating. Push and pull, just like life itself. So indeed, it is a cojointed place of some sort. Whenever I'm out here; peace always follows. It is also said that it enhances focus, and mental capabilites. If you concentrate well enough, you might connect your mind with someone far away. - Korri finished his sentence, and looked at Skal. The boy's eyes lit up for a brief second as the last words left the Grandmaster's mouth. - I presume, you aim to do something similar? - Skal's facial expression turned to shame again. The Grandmaster had already knew what was on his mind.
- I do hope they will find their ways back to us again soon. - he said in a comforting voice. Skal closed his eyes for a moment, then spoke:
- I know it's not right, but...
- You want to speak with someone that means a great deal to you. I see nothing wrong in that. - this was followed by some silence. But Korri could sense Skal sighing a big sigh of relief in his mind. - Anyways, I should get going now. I'll leave you alone to concentrate.
- Thank you, Master. - replied Skal, as he bowed again.
- Any time. Oh, and if you sit on a rug, instead of the cobblestone, surely no one will disturb you again. - said Korri. Skal looked down in confusion; he managed to settle on some decorative cobblestone. He probably mistook it for a rug while thinking about contacting that said special person. As soon as he realized his mistake, he quickly started to gather his belongings. The Grandmaster let out a small laugh, then proceeded to go on his way.
Skal quickly settled down again, this time at an actual rug. His belongings mentioned earlier were consisting of his lightsaber, and a small, circular amulet that could be worn as a necklace. He regurarly did the latter, however, no one ever saw what was inside of the amulet. On the outside, it was an ordinary, ocean blue trinket, comfortably fitting onto a person's hand. It was carved with illustrations of flowers and branches, reaching around the amulet, in a strange dance of stillness. Some saw Skal opening it at times, but he showed none what was in there. Since he got it (maybe a year earlier), he never parted with it.
He put the amulet around his neck, and placed his lightsaber in front of himself. He gazed upon the Tree again, as if asking for guidance, then closed his eyes. He did the usual process of calming his thoughts; thinking about looking down from the hill next to the Jedi Academy at Ossus. The still half-barren ladnscape of the planet would surely be an unpleasant sight to any other, but not to him. To him, it meant comfort, going back to the place he made so many memories, even if just via meditation. With every passing moment, the landscape became more clear. The statues, the trees, the lake, even the acolytes playing.
"- Skal." - said a voice at his right side. It was so far away, he couldn't even tell if it was a male or a female. He decided to focus more on the landscape. And on the person he was trying to contact.
"- Skal."
Medium lenght, curly, brown hair. A round face, with strong features. A kind smile, and a deep green pair of eyes. Always smelling like arcanian dragonberries. But as he was trying to say a word, he heard it again, this time more clear, and much closer:
- Skal! - in fact, it was coming from just a few metres away from him, in the 'real' world. A young, male voice.
Voldemar.
The young mirialan was waving at him. He was surrounded by several other young Jedi, but it seems he left them hanging for a minute, for he was heading towards Skal alone now.
They met at this very academy, both when they were at the right age to get under a master's wings. Voldemar has always had a better way with words, he was quite the popular one at the Temple. But he could not be called a jock; his heart and mind were both in the right place. As a future Jedi Knight, this expected. Together, they formed a friendship early on, and they spent much time together, especially when Karla and Raime were on a 'special mission'.
- Hey there, Skal, everything good? - asked Voldemar, in a good mood. "Didn't the Grandmaster say that I wouldn't be disturbed?" - thought Skal, however, he hid it better this time:
- Yeah, thanks, I'm just trying to ease up a little bit, you know.
- Great! Actually, if you are already easing up, I thought you could join us later. We were planning to go out to Bogan's. I actually got my first solo mission from the Grandmaster! - he seemed really excited and happy. Being the Grandmaster's apprentice sure had it's spoils. Skal was certainly not in the right mood, but he genuinely felt happy for his friend as well. He stood up:
- Really? Congrats, pal!
- Thanks, man. It's just escorting a bunch of noname treasure hunters to Vospara's ship, and then I think an enviromental rescue-something on Kashyyyk, but it feels great to finally go alone. I think Master Andoth will take the hunters, aren't you going with her?
- No. She asked me about it, but I don't feel like going anywhere lately.
- But you're coming to Bogan's, aren't you?
- Thanks, really, but I would be just a burden on you. You should celebrate, not babysit a grown man. I'll get by, I just need some time.
- Skal, I really think some outdoors time will help you. - Voldemar sounded, and looked more concerned now. - Besides, you've been saying this since Master Tegrato died. If you just...
- I know you want to help, and I honestly appreciate it, but I'm really not in the mood. Look, We can go somewhere after you return, okay? I promise. - said Skal, but he could sense that Voldemar was not really satisfied with his answer. Without a moment of hesitation, he turned around, and started to walk back to his room.
- It's about Karla, isn't it? - said Voldemar from behind him. Skal stopped. The conversation suddenly started to get more and more heated:
- Why do you ask?
- Because you're my friend, and I'm not blind, Skal.
- Does it matter?
- Turn around. - Voldemar's tone suddenly became cold. Skal did in fact turn around; to witness Voldemar slightly pulling up his robes. On his stomach and chest, was a singular, well treated, but deep, and ugly wound. It reached from his right pelvis all the way up to his left shoulder, and was clearly made by a lightsaber.
- If she cuts a few centimeters deeper, I wouldn't be here talking to you. - Skal was visibly frightened. He heard stories before about the fight on Nal Hutta, but this was something else. Still...
- I'm sorry, I...
- You don't need to be, it was not you. It was her. - replied Voldemar, as he let go of his robes. - I purposefully didn't show this to you, but seems I have no choice now. Skal, she's driving you downward. She is not the person you knew anymore.
- She lost her way, but you know history. There is always a path back.
- They had a whole year to come back, they didn't.
- So you're gonna treat every one of them like this? Tum? Drass? Zephyra? Like they've never been part of the Order? - the conversation was starting to heat up even more, as the two participants began to raise their voices. Eyes from all around, had started to look into their direction.
- And you're gonna pretend they didn't kill their own? You weren't there, Skal, I've seen it with my own fucking eyes!
- I'm not denying it, but how can you call yourself a Jedi if cannot give forgiveness?
- That can only be given upon those who want to be forgiven.
- Then we should give them a chance!
- They've had it, they should be...
- Be fucking careful with what you say next! - said Skal, as he walked up to Voldemar. They were standing inches away from each other now.
- You know what I wanna say. - replied Voldemar.
- Then out with it!
- They should be hunted down!
- You're fucking mad!
- Says the person who cannot see past his own eyes because of a psychopatic girl who... - Voldemar couldn't finish his sentence, for he was Force pushed a few meters backwards. He landed safely on his feet, but it was surely unexpected. He reached for his lightsaber, set it to pratice mode, and stood up.
Skal ulled his saber towards him, and instantly activated it.
But unlike his friend, he did not do it in practice mode.
- If you are really a prodigy, Mr. Grandmaster's apprentice; fight like one!
- With pleasure, Romeo. - replied Voldemar, as he set his saber to regular mode. He wasted no time to jump towards Skal with a slash. Skal successfully deflected it, and the duel began. Voldemar, a true prodigy in the Soresu form, were constantly on defense, while Skal attacked with calculated, swift strikes. A true Makashi acolyte. Their sabers saw each other constantly, as Skal was growing more ferocious with every passing second, and Voldemar getting more aggressive with his counters. However, because they know each other too well, or because they've never had true intentions of hurting the other, only the sabers clashed. They weren't kicking, or throwing object at one another. By the time they started to saberfight, a whole crowd gathered around the participants. Some of them, who arrived just in time for the duel, thought it was a cool practice session. Especially the younglings were fond of the sight. Indeed, two talented duelists were brandishing their skills. The ones that saw the prologue to this encounter, weren't trying to stop them either, not risking a potentially lethal mistake. Only one of the was so bold:
- Enough! - shouted a rough, male voice, as both Skal and Voldemar were Force pushed against the Tree's trunk. - This is a place for meditation, you mongrels! If you disturb the peace again, I'm gonna have you clean up the younglings' classrooms the next 6 months, every day, you hear me?! - it was Master Mürekk. An old, quarren male, with iron strictness, and a slight xenophobic tendency. He looked down at the two boys:
- Suck barbaristic behaviour, I still don't know how the hell Grandmaster Korri chose you, and you... - he looked at Skal, but he didn't finish his sentence. He just growled, and moved along.
The crowd started to do the same; getting back to their normal daily routine. Skal was quick to get up, and started to walk back towards his room. He didn't look back at Voldemar.
On his way back, he stopped at one of the old masters statue. The engraving was slightly weathered, but still readable:
Obi-wan Kenobi.
He read a lot about him, and his teachings. Both he, and Master Avesh looked up on him, in fact, when Skal was younger, he preferred to meditate here, instead of at the Tree. This incident pushed him further to the belief, that it was more effective. Something has always captivated him about Master Kenobi, whether it was the master's humour, or great perseverance. Even at the darkest darkness, he never gave up. Skal always admired that, even as a teenager.
He walked to the back end of the statue, and grabbed the amulet. He looked around, carefully, and then, he opened it.
"Yours truly;
Karla. ♡"
