Can you smell the history, the power here?

[Corvus Raaf]

It wasn’t the Great Jedi Library of old, once raided by Exar Kun, but it was built on the same spot and housed the majority of the Jedi records. Other than a few key holocrons, scattered across the galaxy for safe-keeping, if you were looking for information, this was where to find it – and Jedi from across the worlds came to Ossus when the need arose.

Corvus mused that since she’d taken on teaching, she’d had less time to spend here. Most Padawans avoided the place, let alone Knights – but for Corvus this was where it all began for her and where she felt most at home.

All this talk of the Army of the Light had re-ignited her interest in the subject and so, having finished her final lesson of the day, she chose to retire to the library rather than go for her evening meal. Which meant, of course, that it was even quieter than usual.

There was - however - as well as the ubiquitous Librarian, another here. Having bowed to the record-keeper she made her way to the appropriate section and pulled out the information she wanted. Once complete, she was surprised to see the young Padawan was still studying. It was a pleasant surprise but out of the ordinary none the less.

The recent influx of Padawans was positive for the Order as new blood ensured they could continue in their duty to be the peace-keepers of the galaxy. But the majority of the new Padawans were male and the testosterone levels at the Academy had risen exponentially of late. So to see someone dedicated to learning was so good for Corvus to see.

She was in two minds. Her heart said to comment on his dedication and risk disturbing him, but her head said to allow him to study even if it made him feel ignored. As ever, she followed the Code on this matter. Let there be truth between your heart and the Force.

She bowed by way of introduction. “Good evening. I don’t think I’ve seen you here before. Have you recently arrived on Ossus, or have I not been paying enough attention?"

[member="Agon Rinn"]

 

[Agon Rinn]

Every person in the universe has a safe spot. A place that makes them feel like home. For most people, it is their home. Their place of solitude away from the hustle and bustle of the world. It comforts them, nourishes them and keeps them safe from the chaos that surrounds life. They can sit and take a breath, happy to be with those they love. Even Jedi, who travel far and wide often, have a place of solitude. For Agon, no place felt this way then the Great Library. It was gorgeous to him, even if it held no natural beauty.

Agon would never say that sunrises, nebula's or even the stars above were not beautiful, as he would be lying to himself. But libraries? Filled with knowledge and people willing to learn, listen and think, libraries were Agon's home away from home. He may not of slept there, been raised there or even born there, but here, he felt most comfortable. Datapads were easy to decipher, pick apart and learn from. There was no trouble with learning for Agon. It came naturally to him, almost like an inconceivable talent that no one else shared. And this place? This was his training ground.

Many younger Jedi could not understand Agon. They were eccentric, energetic, and happy to go adventuring. They fought for the light and were excited for battle's with the terrible darkness that clouded the universe. They were misguided of course, as many Padawan's had not matured to the correct level just yet. Most were ready to fight the Sith or Dark Jedi tooth and nail, happy to protect innocents and eager to banish the darksiders. Not Agon.

Agon had read the histories of empires that fell due to war, famine and chaos. He had read countless stories of those, changed forever by combat. Combat terrified him, truly. Knowledge could not hurt Agon. It could do no wrong to the young Jedi. An immature thought, obviously, but Agon took comfort in that. He had no friends or colleagues here at the Temple. Thought to be odd and weird, Agon frequently tried to distance himself from others. Most barely saw him honestly.

Today, he had been reading up on some of the most barbaric acts of history. It was interesting to read, but also quite terrifying. The idea that the Darkside could twist people into committing atrocity made Agon terribly sad. So engorged with knowledge, Agon had barely noticed the woman approach him. Young, fit and draped in the Knightly robes, Agon immediately rose after she introduced herself. Redness invaded his cheeks but he swallowed hard and began to speak, not before bowing of course. "Good evening. No, you are probably quite perceptive. I usually spend more time in the back section of the library, away from traces of civilization." It was a lighthearted joke, and a bad one at that. Cursing himself in the back of his mind, Agon could not help but think how terrible he was at this sort of thing. Most Knights and Masters were approached, not the other way around. Still, he would try not to act so odd. Perhaps he could finally find a friend or maybe even a master from this.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled at his response. It sounded so familiar. “Be careful young Padawan, you might end up with a reputation.” She always referred to Padawans as young, forgetting she was only eighteen herself. Age was relative and experience – albeit not always positive – counted for much in the ageing process.

“But it can have its advantages. Many will overlook you as a threat or a challenge and that can work in your favour. However…” Her voice trailed of as if weighing up if she could continue with this train of thought. She clearly decided it was. “However, knowledge in and of itself is of limited value. Knowing the dates of the Ruusan campaign, or even the roles people played is of limited benefit if it is not applied. History tends to repeat itself, so those that study it should be the voices that warn of the recurrence. Or, better still, apply that knowledge to enable the Jedi to continue to be peace-keepers.”

She pulled up a chair opposite him, her violet eyes burning bright. “I once dreamed of becoming a Librarian of somewhere like this.” She waved her right arm expansively as if to illustrate her point. “Maybe become a Consular? But sadly we are at war. It is every Jedi’s duty to play his part in the defence of the Galactic Republic.” And there was genuine sadness in her eyes.

She stood again and glanced around at the information stored on every shelf. “I do not suggest you neglect your studies – but I challenge you…” She paused as if trying the word on for size. “Yes, challenge you to apply what you have learned. Not in an aggressive way, but to become the best Jedi you can be.”

She smiled again, “I hope I haven’t scared you off?”

[member="Agon Rinn"]

 

[Agon Rinn]

Agon could not help but smile in response. A reputation? He already partly had one, among the other students at least. The know-it-all or book reader is what most people said. Having a reputation of being a vast well of knowledge? That did not sound so bad honestly. Listening to the young Knight, Agon shifted away most of his focus from his data to her. She was interesting and fun to listen to, and she seemed to be speaking in such a clear and concise way.

She seemed like the type of Jedi that asked why or how. Like him really. She was not some gung-ho warrior, ready to step into battle against the Sith screaming. She was calculating, but still had a little but of humanity in her. It was refreshing, and Agon was jealous of her ability to speak so well and still be knowledgeable. To him, that skill was incredibly difficult to master. Furthermore, advising Agon that knowledge, while good, was not almighty, did help. He understood that knowledge, though powerful when applied, could not stop lasers and the Darkside. Nodding as he listened, Agon made sure to understand everything she spoke of.

Her sadness was evident when she mentioned the war. Agon too found it difficult. Why was every war always about good vs evil? The Sith, always trying to conquer and the Jedi fighting back at every opportunity. Would it ever end? Countless deaths, wars and campaigns. For what?

Nodding at her last bit, Agon rose from his chair as she did. It was only kind of him to do so. She had challenged him, and Agon was going to do everything in his power to challenge himself. Perhaps he would train with his saber more. He definitely needed the practice. Answering her quickly, Agon smiled as he did so. "You have not scared me. Not in the slightest. You have only given me more things to think about."

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus looked at the Jedi in front of her. He stood - which suggested he was planning to move, but away from her or just away? But she had the bit between her teeth and was going to see what he was made of.

"Please indulge me. What have I prompted you to consider?"

[member="Agon Rinn"]