Child of War

Jedi Temple

Master Yoda led me through the bustling corridors of the Jedi Temple. I received a lot of stares and odd looks, but I was too caught up in the sheer impossibility of the moment to notice.

Huge, arching windows lined the outer wall, admitting a flood of sunlight. Despite the roaring city outside, the temple was peaceful.
I still couldn't believe I was here. I had been on Lah'mu for so long that I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. This had to be a dream, but it wasn't.

A tall Jedi with dark skin and a bald head approached. "Master Yoda, we were pleased to hear of your safe return."

Master Yoda nodded.

The Jedi noticed me standing awkwardly behind Master Yoda. "And I see we have a guest."

Master Yoda turned to me. "A new padawan, she is."

The Jedi gave a strange look. "This old?"

Yoda nodded. "Strong in the Force, she is."

The Jedi sighed. "Well, I trust your judgment." He faced me. "Welcome to the Jedi Temple. I'm Mace Windu."

I shyly stepped forward. "It's a pleasure to meet you, si... Master Windu."

He gave me a warm smile before walking away.
I followed him with my eyes. "That's going to take some getting used to."

Master Yoda looked at me questioningly.

I met his gaze. "I've had bad experiences with 'masters.'"

He nodded.

"I know this is different," I continued, "but it makes me remember things I wish I could forget."

Master Yoda started down the hallway once again. "Things we wish we could forget, we all have, but make us who we are, they do."

I stared at the floor, thinking about those words. They were true. I wouldn't be who I am now without those unpleasant memories.
————
Master Yoda gave me a tour of the whole temple. I was sure I would forget at least half the places he had shown me by the next morning, but I listened intently and tried to memorize what I assumed were the most important locations.

He took me to a room where a group of kids my age stood in a group training with lightsabers, real lightsabers. I never thought I would see one in real life, let alone be told that one day I would build one of my own.

I watched the lesson progress, mesmerized by the fluent movement of the young padawans, like a graceful but deadly dance.

When they concluded their session, one of the padawans noticed me and walked over. She had long blonde hair, pulled back in a thick braid. Her skin was tanned and her big eyes were a deep green.

She bowed to my companion. "Hello Master Yoda."

He nodded and entered the room to critique the group.

The girl stayed behind, examining me. She thrust out her hand. "I'm Alana."

I stared at her outstretched hand.

She glanced from me to her hand. "You shake it."

Hesitantly, a took her hand and she bobbed it up and down.

I blushed in embarrassment. I had no idea how to act around people, and Alana could tell.
She looked at me expectantly and I realized that she wanted me to introduce myself.
"Um... I'm Lianna." I offered her my hand.

She giggled as she took it and we shook hands again.

"You're not from around here, are you." She tugged on the end of the messy ponytail hanging over my shoulder.

"Is it really that obvious?" I joked.

Alana raised an eyebrow and gestured to my whole body.

I wore clothes that I had swiped off a smuggler's ship and dirt was smeared all over my face and the knees of my pants. My hair, unlike everyone else I had seen, was frizzy from the humidity of Lah'mu.

We both giggled.

Soon, Master Yoda returned and led me to my room.

It was meagerly furnished, but that was luxury to me. I collapsed on the sleeping mat rolled out on the floor and almost immediately fell asleep.

A/N
So, that was a filler, but also important. I wanted to show how socially awkward Lianna would be after spending five years alone on a planet. And I needed to introduce Alana.
Anyway, hope it wasn't too boring.
This is the fastest I've ever uploaded two chapters in a row. Hope I don't leave you waiting too long for next one.
Have a great day/night.
-Cheshire