One Step At A Time (Mason & Aurelion Nova)

[WolfMortum]

The Dojo,​

A room of training and education.​

[member="Mason"] & [member="Aurelion Nova"].​

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Life within the Silver Rest was nothing if not comfortable compared to the rest of the Galaxy. Out there, once upon a time Veiere had been known for politics and his influence across millions as a leading Monarchy of a trade world, yet within the Silver Rest, his actions and behavior influenced so few, and offered him far more room, as well as choice in whom he chose to influence specifically.

Upon the Jedi Comport, he had seen two names who were yet to be taken under the tutelage of a mentor within the Silver Jedi Order. Already, he had the responsibility of training his daughter [member=Loreena Arenais], yet she had told him that she remained uncertain about the Jedi and whether it was the right path for her, instead she expressed interest in the Force itself and spending time with her Father, as her motivation for being apprenticed to him. Though he sugar-coated his response, he found her reasons to be the wrong ones by which she had dedicated herself to, and their partnership was more family-bonding than Apprenticeship in any official capacity.

[member="Mason"] and [member="Aurelion Nova"] on the other hand were both prospective Silver Jedi looking to advance, learn and grow within themselves under the Order of the Silver Jedi. Veiere had always been fond of teaching, and had taken a number of students in the past. Today would be about introducing them both to the subject of apprenticeship, to give them both the choice to pursue their path, and to meet one another.

Taking an Apprentice was in most cases a very private experience, but there was something about taking on a pair that appealed to the Jedi Master. It aided in the students learning, for they not only took encouragement from their mentor, but were also able to learn from one another throughout their time, training and experience of growth. Having called for them to meet with him within the open and quiet Dojo reserved for their meeting, Veiere wondered whether such a practice would appeal to them both. They were of course welcome to refuse and seek another Master, Veiere would not blame them for pursuing a one-on-one relationship with their desired tutors, yet time would tell and it was best not to make assumptions ahead of meeting the pair.

 

[Mason]

The Silver Rest..

More importantly The Dojo. Mason smirked as he stood outside the entrance of the dojo.The tall teen had been recently assigned to Master [member="Veiere Arenais"] and had been told to meet at the dojo for introductions and such. The bubblegum chewing teen would also meet a fellow appreciate [member="Aurelion Nova"] who would be under the guidance of the Master as well. Mason had no problem with that, if anything he appreciated that, it would give him someone to practice with.

Mason let out a breath as he looked down at his current appearance, his Jedi robes were not present today, they were torn while at Ilum's Jedi temple. He sighed, not a good first impression for sure.

Instead he wore his normal designer clothes, pink v neck tee-shirt paired with his blue jeans. The teen took a moment to fix his hair before entering the dojo. He chewed his gum nervously as he approached the lone man in the room. Walking with a certain swagger and carefree attitude Mason smiled brightly.

"Greetings, you must be Master Arenais. I'm Mason Warrick." Mason said with a slight bow.

He would then continue to chew his bubblegum and blow a bubble.

 

[Aurelion Nova]

Aurelion was incredibly nervous, chilled twitches working their way down his body and shortening his breathe as he approached the Dojo he was assigned to meet Master Arenais and, apparently, another Padawan by the name of Mason. Aurelion, having felt lucky to even had the opportunity to learn under one Master, was.... almost in a state of nervous disbelief at the prospect of actually being able to learn under another. Aurelion kept his simple, green robes and white undershirt that he usually wore, and paused in front of the entrance to the Dojo to make sure he looked... well... presentable. Another gnawing reason for his abject nervousness was due to his tenuous control of the Force. The recent meeting with his other teacher, Josh Dragonsflame, and his loss of control prior to their meeting sticking out as a particular sore spot to his confidence.

Aurelion took a moment, closing his eye to help garner concentration, and with a soft wave of his hand, used the Force to open the door before him. As per usual, when he exerted his abilities on the door, a backlash of energy in it's opposite pushed Aurelion's shoulders up and together. His concentration having slipped for a brief second and, while he succeeded in this small exertion of the Force, it had not been perfect. As the doors opened, and Aurelion spied the two of them already awaiting his arrival, the chilled, nervous feeling coalesced into a single, ice-cold knot in his stomach. The prospect of being late not at all helping to stabilize his mood or his confidence.

Stepping up before the Master Jedi and his fellow Apprentice Aurelion gave a bow to Master Arenais. Mason's questioning of the man's identity, rhetorical or not, allowed Aurelion to avoid having to ask. Aurelion, attempting to channel his glacial uncertainty, spoke in a low, respectful tone.

"Master. It is an honor."

Aurelion, noting that Mason was on his blind side, had to turn to properly address the very tall boy. While Aurelion was indeed small for his age, both in height and weight, Mason was..... just tall. Aurelion nodded respectfully to Mason, giving a small smile as he wrestled the last vestiges of his doubts into something resembling control. With introductions made Aurelion turned back to face Veiere, keeping his posture as correct as he could, without wanting to seem like he was trying overly hard to impress considering it was... almost the opposite. He was trying not to embarrass himself.

 

[WolfMortum]

The Jedi Comport has become a handy tool to be familiar with in practice, though Veiere hadn't checked it since he had made this appointment to meet with both of the prospective students. Wanting to gain a little more insight as to their background with the Order, and just how long they had been with the Silver Jedi, his brows rose as he noted a recent update on [member="Aurelion Nova"]'s profile having been listed most recently under the tutelage of [member="Josh DragonsFlame"]. The Masters name was a well known one, not just among the Silver Jedi but having been heard by many branches on the outside of Kashyyyk's Jedi organization. Well experienced, and if Veiere wasn't mistaken, also the leading Master of the Order, he certainly couldn't argue that the man had plenty to offer any young Jedi willing to learn from him.

As he was reading from his datapad however, the young [member="Mason"] would be the first to enter the room and address Veiere in question followed by a respectable bow as was tradition and etiquette amongst the Jedi of the Galaxy. And as if on queue, and just in time, Aurelion Nova followed suit and entered the training room just as Mason had greeted him. "Greetings, both of you" Veiere smiled and offered them both a formal bow in acknowledgement before straightening his posture a little and speaking further in confirmation; "You are correct Mason, I am Veiere Arenais and I have asked for you both to join me in order to discuss your future here with the Order of Kashyyyk".

"Up until recently, I had noticed that you were both without an official mentor" He explained, his gaze soon shifting to focus on Aurelion momentarily, "Though it would appear that Master DragonsFlame has taken you under his wing. Congratulations, Padawan Nova" he smiled encouragingly before looking to Mason. Honestly, the recent change hadn't changed the attitude or purpose of this meeting to drastically, Veiere would still encourage Aurelion to participate in some of the future lessons that Veiere would hold (The "Force Mastery and Theory" series for example).

"Do either of you know, or have heard anything on the subject of becoming an Apprentice, to train and live alongside a Master of the Order in an official capacity?".

 

[Mason]

As soon as Mason introduced himself to Master Arenais the other Padawan would enter. Mason watched as the man would greet Master Arenais. Then give a nod and a smile to Mason. The teen would instantly noticed the man's composure. He looked a bit too tense. Mason would let a smirk appear on his face.

"Rexal a bit. Being too tense is bad for your body." Mason would say nonchalantly.

Mason then shifted to Master Arenais as he began to speak introducing himself and said that he'd be talking about the padawans' future with the Order.

The Master then asked if the two knew anything about being an apprentice or live along side a Master. Mason furrowed his brow. He actually had no clue. He didn't know the basics of most of being a Jedi, the tall teen felt a bit embarrassed about that.

"I have not Master Arenais." Mason would say.

Mason began feeling a bit anxious, he didn't know how the Jedi Master would react. He chewed his bubblegum a bit as he looked at his feet.

[member="Aurelion Nova"]
[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[Aurelion Nova]

Aurelion was caught off guard by Mason's comment, and subsequently, only felt even more tense and self-conscious because of it. Aurelion blinked his good eye, swallowing as he tried to center himself enough to not seem... completely out of it. He was, at least, thankful for Master Arenais' congratulations. A small, steadying smile graced Aurelion's lips and he gave another, smaller bow of thanks to the Master. Answering in a tone and posture that would likely remind Veiere, whether for good or ill, of a child raised by the aristocrats he and his wife may have dealt with during their time as King and Queen. A non-subtle hint to what status in life Aurelion may have been raised in prior to joining the Order.

"Thank you Master Veiere."

When Veiere questioned the two of them if they knew anything about what it meant to be an Apprentice, and seeing Mason confirm that he did not, Aurelion too shook his head to indicate a negative. However, Aurelion knew enough about people to suspect that the older Master already knew the answers he would receive. An effort of the Force that Veiere would easily be able to tell was subconscious on Aurelion's part, and surprisingly stable for Aurelion, would attempt to probe the Master's intentions. It was no invasive mind-delve, no malicious ability or even one Aurelion was aware he was doing, rather it simple attempted to garner a vague idea of Veiere's motivations. An ability that, given Aurelion's complete naivety on proper use of the Force, and Veiere's abundance of practice and experience over the young Half-Eldorai, would be simply enough to disperse if the Master Jedi wished.

Regardless of the result of his innate ability, Aurelion felt that honesty was the best policy, and added to his already-identified negative.

"No Master Veiere. Would you be asking with the intention of teaching us?" It was a small wonder that, despite only having one good eye, Aurelion was able to display such a level of eager curiosity as he watched the older Jedi with a wide-eyed curiosity truly only a Padawan could actually give.

[member="Mason"]

[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

'How very curious...'.

Veiere had thought that perhaps one of them, at the least, had an idea of what was expected in their future years as 'Senior Students', those often called such after having been apprenticed to a mentor, back in Veiere's students days. It was a wonder that they'd not heard rumor or stories from their friends and peers there, in the Silver Rest. Perhaps they'd not had the time to adjust themselves to new life on Kashyyyk as of yet.

Even more curious was [member="Aurelion Nova"]'s attempt to read into the Jedi Master, though he would come upon a blank wall, as far as his telepathic success was concerned. Veiere's mental fortitude wasn't an intentional reaction but rather a passive skill taught to many a Jedi in the case that they were to be caught and information removed of them; in Aurelion's experience (or lack there of), it was enough that Veiere noticed the attempt.

"Experience is often portrayed through the things we know and speak of" Veiere responded to Aurelion, soon to look to Mason thoughtfully; "Most Students tend to struggle in their later years of training with the absence of a Jedi Mentor, this being a Jedi Knight or a Jedi Master whom teaches you one on one for a fixed number of years until you're ready for Knighthood" the fact that they weren't aware of the subject, wasn't a negative thing however. A blank canvas meant training from the very basics and in his old age, going back over the things he was taught as a youngling served as a good reminder to the things that he mostly took for granted today.

"I do teach students here in the Silver Rest, though I'm still new here myself I'll admit" He relaxed his shoulders some and sought to ease himself, to encourage a more passive and comfortable scene for them all through his influence, "So far I've only lead a couple classes and I thought it would be beneficial to meet you both. At the time, both of you were without a mentor though that's clearly changed since. As a Jedi Master, it's not uncommon for us to take on more than one student, however we do not look to take charge of another mentor's Padawan. Master DragonsFlame will no doubt expect you to attend some classes here though, so I'm certain you'll learn something from me in due time...".

[member="Mason"] hadn't been so fortunate as of yet however, and had Veiere been aware of the update, he'd have only called for one of them. Now it seemed he would be offering an apprenticeship to Mason without having anything on offer for Aurelion. It was indeed unfortunate, though perhaps not entirely without purpose as it might give insight as to their nature in how they would respond in answer of the developing situation. "That said, Mason here does not..." Veiere glanced back to the bubblegum chewing lad, "...-And should you desire it, I can offer my time and experience as your personal Mentor".

 

[Mason]

It looked like [member="Aurelion Nova"] got even more tense. Mason let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. Well he tried. He was gonna have to get past that awkwardness. Mason smiled he was good at that. Or at least he thought.

Mason zoned out as Aurelion asked a question to Master [member="Veiere Arenais"]. Soon the man would speak. Mason nodded to Master Arenais as he talked about how most students struggle in their later years of training. Mason didn't know how he felt about it.

Mason's would feel a strange relief as the Jedi Master said he was fairly new to the Order as well. He then spoke about how he's led a couple of classes.

Mason looked to the Jedi Master as his name was said.

"I would very much appreciate that Master Veiere." Mason said as he gave a slight bow.

"So what does it mean to be a Jedi apprentice?" Mason asked with a semi tilted head.

Spoiler

So sorry for the late post!

 

[Aurelion Nova]

Aurelion took everything the Jedi Master said in stride, his attention unwavering as the Master answered his question, and it made sense. Even with a solid foundation, and principles, to operate from without a true Master or someone who has walked the same path before to impart their understanding to you then your improvement would no doubt slow a crawl. Not unlike [member="Mason"] Aurelion was slightly relieved to hear that Master Arenais was new to the Silver Rest as well. But unlike Mason, Aurelion was distinctly aware of his inclusion of being new 'to Silver Rest'. No doubt he was quite a well-traveled, and experienced, individual outside of it.

Aurelion was beyond thankful for his reassurance towards the idea of attending classes. Perhaps... Perhaps Aurelion would look into other classes after this one? Regardless Aurelion wasn't surprise by Mason's acceptance, and he was glad Mason had a teacher. Aurelion was also curious to hear Arenais' explanation of what it meant to be an apprentice.

 

[WolfMortum]

Between the two of them, the boy's growing awareness of the meetings subject, as well as their paired interactions gave Veiere something to smile about. Where [member="Aurelion Nova"] carried a sense of awkwardness in Mason's eyes, he too was indeed new to the subject and carried with him a sense of awe that Veiere recognized and could relate to how they both felt when he was first initiated into the Jedi Order. Things were done a little differently within the Order of the Silver Jedi compared to his days and practices as a boy but like all aged and experienced Masters, he had started from a blank state himself, and had to learn, grow and adapt to the new life under the Order's expectations. The day that his Mentor, Andina Torsyn had taken Veiere as a student, had been a very proud day indeed.

"Becoming a Jedi Apprentice, also known and more often called Jedi Padawan, means to train under another more experienced and recognized member of the Order. This Jedi Knight or Master becomes responsible for your learning, and will help you train in more advanced abilities until you're ready to participate in missions that will be handed down by the Silver Circle to your Master with instructions and a set of objectives to fulfill" He explained, giving a rather broad explanation as all students days spent under their Master's, tended to be different in one way or another.

"Just as no one Jedi Knight is the same as another, nor are our students here on Kashyyyk or within the Silver Jedi. We each have our strengths and our weaknesses, and in [member="Mason"]'s case it will be my job to build upon his knowledge so that he can become better equipped to serve the Order and the Galaxy one day, without me. At the end of one's apprenticeship, most traditionally leads to ones Knighthood ceremony which of course, would grant you the title of Jedi Knight" Naturally this was something that excited every young student and at the start of their training tended to be, much like lightsaber sparring and lessons on swordsmanship, at the time of their dreams and ambitions. These things however, like all good things, came with time and dedication.

 

[Aurelion Nova]

Aurelion listened with naive, and rather stoic, acceptance of Master Arenais' words. If the young Eldorai was honest with himself most of what Master Arenais had just told them were things that Aurelion felt that they could have reasonably inferred on their own. However he wasn't going to say that to the kind Jedi Master before him who, in his own way, had made a display of kindness out of explaining even the most absolute basic fundamentals to them to make sure there was nothing they did not know, or were aware of, concerning what was to be their future in the Order. Maybe some people would see his statements to them as patronizing, some misplaced sense of pride reacting to the basic explanation despite the fact Aurelion and Mason had confirmed they knew nothing about it. Aurelion was thankful, at least, that his sense of pride was not that entirely overblown.​

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Aurelion nodded in thanks to the older Master and, giving the man a small smile, his pointed ears perked up slightly in interest. "If... you don't mind me asking Master. You said that most Jedi 'traditionally' become Knights through the Knighthood ceremony. But are there other paths or outcomes possible?" Aurelion stated his question calmly and inquisitively, his single light blue eye wide and curious as he continued to smile at the Master. Even his proper, respectful stance tensing ever so slightly at the idea of learning as much as could be learned about the Order. This life, this place, had saved him after all. He was determined to learn and master all he could to it's benefit, in time. This was just the next step.​

 

[Mason]

Mason sat quietly as the Jedi Master spoke. In Mason's eyes Master Arenais seemed pretty knowledgeable. He spoke about what it took to be a Padawan and how one became a knight.

Mason nodded, he didn't really know what to say. He was captivated by the elder's words. Aurelion would be the first to speak. He asked if Jedi could be knighted in other ways.

Mason looked to the one eyed man.

"Odd question I guess, but at the very least interesting." Mason tilted his head in wonder.

Mason looked to Master Arenais, awaiting a response.

[member="Veiere Arenais"]
[member="Aurelion Nova"]

((Sorry for the wait/short post, getting into the groove again, thanks for the patience.))

 

[WolfMortum]

"I suppose that depends on the student approaching their Knighthood, as well as their Master's opinion on the matter. Naturally, the decision is in the hands of the Master, and providing the Council...-Er, the Silver Assembly in our case, agrees and gives the confirmation for the Knighting, then it could be done in private or handed over following the completion of a significant achievement out in the field of duty" Veiere answered Aurelion's question, his tone thoughtful as he spoke. It wasn't a silly question at all, there were a multitude of variables in the path shared by a Master and their Apprentice, and more so if there were more than one Apprentice involved. "I suppose it's a case by case sort of thing, but at the end of the day it comes down to your Master's decision and confidence in the matter".

Veiere couldn't help but smile at the pair of them however, for they appeared ever the inquisitive pair of Padawan, both looking and listening attentively to the subject at hand. Naturally every Jedi Padawan looked forward to the day that they would become a Jedi Knight, transitioning from a position of being cared for, to one of independence and that much more freedom as a proven competent member of the Silver Jedi Order.

"There's a long way to go though, it's not a quick path to take and it's certainly not an easy one" Veiere cautioned them, just in case their eagerness to proceed wasn't at risk of getting in the way of the finer details of Jedi life; "Being a Jedi means dedicating yourselves to a life of study, learning and training. It's true that you learn how to use a Lightsaber and practice in abilities of the Force...-These sound like great, exciting things to most young Jedi, but bare in mind that you're doing this for others out there in the Galaxy, not just yourselves. Jedi are taught responsibility and restraint, discipline and keen decision making".

[member="Mason"] | [member="Aurelion Nova"]