The Gathering [Invite Only, PM if Missed]

[Long Gone]

The Gathering Leadership

Aaralyn Rekali – Jedi Master (Guidance)
[member="Sophia Walsh"] – Jedi Master (Guidance)

Republic Officer for the Vigilance-class Corvette [Endurance]

[member="Jack Rand"] – Blessed to have this NFU!

Jedi Attending The Gathering

[member="Avalore Eden"] – Jedi Knight
[member="Nefertari Sovint"] – Jedi Knight
[member="Maria Natalja"] – Jedi Knight
[member="Gherron Vael"] – Jedi Knight
[member="Rael sul B'an"] – Jedi Padawan
[member="Elizie Adasca"] – Jedi Padawan
[member="Ayden Quell"] – Jedi Padawan
[member="Sabena Shai"] – Jedi Padawan
[member="Kiren sepherus"] – Jedi Padawan
[member="Veega Anarth"] – Jedi Padawan

Background

Initially, The Gathering was a part of a process of training for Jedi Initiates as they headed into the early stages of becoming a Padawan learner. It had been a ritual that withstood the test of time until the 400 year darkness took hold and the history of the Order as well as the ritual remained unclear. The Jedi Initiates or Jedi Padawans would travel to the ice world of Ilum and traverse together as a group to the Crystal Caves, once there they would undergo their first trial of skill in order to gain entrance to the sacred Caves.

Once inside, the Jedi Padawans or those seeking out the crystals for their sabers would discover a small Jedi Temple – a sanctuary of sorts before the mouth of the Crystal Caves. The old Gathering dictated that a Padawan was only allowed a short amount of time before the entrance froze over with the setting of the sun and would be stuck within for a full planetary rotation (19 Standard Days) before they would be able to escape – however, this proved to be a part of a test and was changed over the years as it proved the tests provided by the Force within were enough for the young Jedi entering the caves.

The caves of Ilum typically held only variations of blue or green lightsaber crystals – however there were rumors of more color variations to come from the Crystal caves should one venture deep enough. The hardest part of the trial of The Gathering was locating the crystal that belonged to the individual Jedi – one would have to focus on the Force and would find themselves fighting their own personal fears or failings before realizing what must be done to secure their crystal. It was even said, after securing the crystal and upon building the lightsaber, the Force would create visions or hallucinations and send people into combat against great Sith Lords or spirits to test them – Anakin Skywalker once fought the Sith Lord Darth Maul upon completing his lightsaber before realizing his weapon was truly complete.

Each story within the Crystal caves is personalized to the individual Jedi – no one story is the same.

This is The Gathering…

​

This is where your story begins…​

 

[Long Gone]

Ossus Temple Hanger

1700 Hours

Aaralyn sat at the edge of the shipping container, swinging her legs a bit as she looked over the manifest. It listed a few days supplies, which was never a bad thing – from her experiences these types of missions or rather expeditions could get out of hand and well it’s better to have more supplies than not enough. She had seen a Padawan once get so lost in the Caves, that it was 32 Standard Days before he finally came out – famished and delusional, and without his crystal.

She never found out what happened to the poor kid, she heard he left the Jedi Order and went rogue, possibly even going to one of the other major governments like Lords of the Fringe under [member="Ashin Varanin"]. Who knew really? She slowly slid off the container and looked over at the shuttle and the various crew running around it, doing final checks. Soon, the Jedi would start arriving and man was she nervous. So nervous, she felt like vomiting.

She had never done something on this grand of a scale before, not with this many students tagging along. Even as a member of this Council, she felt like this was a huge responsibility – and the knots in her stomach were just churning.

Would they remember to pack cold weather gear?

Did they know that there were hostile creatures like the Gorgodon in the caves?

She could only hope.

She adjusted her own gear, black combat leggings, the typical combat boots that seemed to be in better conditions than the traditional ones she wore – that synthetic black skin tight shirt with a greyish vest. Her own attire that made her feel comfortable and kept her nice and warm – of course, once they reached Ilum, a heavy coat would be tossed on, hell, she wouldn’t go light. She brought a hand out and counted the different items she needed for herself.

'Goggles, oh yes, those were important.' She thought to herself.

The bitter temperatures on the surface of Ilum alone were something else, if they thought Hoth was bad – man were they in for a surprise. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as her hands fell down to her side, touching the remaining lightsaber on her utility belt - Kor Vella. Unfortunately, Tyrena was destroyed by [member="Matsu Xiangu"] in the 2nd Battle of Manaan which is one of the reasons she organized or rather re-started The Gathering journey in the first place.

It was a rite of passage for all Jedi and it was something she hadn’t done herself in a long time. To look within oneself and analyze the fears of your core and overcome them – that was something. Aaralyn quickly shook her head and turned back to the ramp of the shuttle, her arms coming to cross her chest, right arm propping up against her left elbow as her hand would come to rest upon her chin.

'Now where was Rowdy?' She wondered.

 

[Jack Rand]

[member="Aaralyn Rekali"]

Jack was leaning on the edge of the shuttle shuffling his Sabacc deck as he looked over the preparations of the shuttle, he only packed a few things as there were enough Jedi coming to start their own enclave. He had the thermal version of his Republic navy coat and he also had a pair of snowboats in case one of the poor kids managed to get stuck. Jack chuckled to himself as he imagined a group of Jedi trying to find their way out of a snowdrift or avalanche.

Jack had never flown to Ilum before, much less transporting Jedi. He had heard that it was a more mystical version of Hoth or something and it was where Jedi got their crystals, he also heard more rumours about the place but it all sounded like crazy Jedi mysticism.

I wonder if any of them know Sabacc? Jack wondered to himself. The Jedi rarely teach the padawans how to act in a normal conversation. Jack laughed again as he thought that he could teach them.

The report came about the supplies and the status of the ship that Jack would have to relay to the master who led this group. Jack then looked over to the Jedi who was leading this journey to the frozen planet and went over to talk to her. As he neared her Jack could tell that she was nervous, probably due to having to care for all these Jedi. "Miss everything is in good condition, we'll finish packing and wait for the others to arrive and lift off. Just give me the say so and I'll take us out of here." Jack smiled as he nonchalantly flipped the Joker card through his fingers a trait he did somewhat often.

He stood there a few more seconds, bored by the silence and waiting. "So is this your first time to Ilum too?" Jack didn't mean to intrude, but he was a very curious fellow and it didn't seem like an offensive question.

 

[Nefertari Sovint]

Surprisingly, Nefertari had never been to Illum. It was supposed to be even colder than Hoth, and that had been freezing. Nefertari reported to the hangar, clad in layered robes. Two crystals, a red and a magenta, hung from her neck. Her lightsaber had been destroyed by an explosion while she was escaping the One Sith on Manaan. Hopefully her padawan, [member="Kiren sepherus"] would show up soon.
Nef bowed to [member="Aaralyn Rekali"] upon her arrival, her gear was ready and so was she.

 

[Long Gone]

Aaralyn raised both eyebrows as she turned her attention to [member="Jack Rand"] and nodded softly. “The shuttle will take us to the Endeavor, which you’ll be commanding.” She gestured. “From there, we go to Ilum and should be able to take her straight into the atmosphere and land her there.” She gestured into the air idly with the same hand that was just gripping her chin. She brought the hand back and gently placed a fingernail between her lips, biting down on her nail. Her head would shake softly as she pulled the finger away. “No, I went a long time ago…” She chuckled softly.

“About 840 years ago to be exact.” She smiled brightly to Jack before turning her attention back to the loading of the shuttle. “So, this is your first time?” She said curiuously before turning her attention to [member="Nefertari Sovint"]. “Ah, Knight Sovint, Welcome.” She dropped her hands to her side and bowed slightly. “Go ahead and load your things, make yourself comfortable for the short shuttle ride up…”

[member="Nefertari Sovint"] | [member="Jack Rand"]

 

[Gherron Dragovalor]

Gherron walked with his padawan to the shuttle where everything was being prepared. Even though he didn't plan on going outside the ship much when they got to Ilum, he still made sure to pack himself a set of nice warm clothes, and even went as far as bringing some survival gear. Heck, on second thought, he saw himself exploring the caves again just for nostalgia's sake. If he found another crystal for himself, all the better for it. Looking over at the kaleesh, he smiled a little. Rael would be getting his first lightsaber. Well, the crystal anyway. He still had to make the weapon for himself later on. Patting his padawan on the back, he went ahead to speak to the two already engaged in conversation. Nodding at the other knight there, he piped up a little. "Glad to be aboard, master Rekali. Great to be here." After addressing the elder Jedi, he turned to the officer that would be leading them through space. The same idea he had must have gone through Gherron's head as well because he asked, "Hey, you play sabaac?"

[member="Rael sul B'an"] [member="Jack Rand"] [member="Aaralyn Rekali"] [member="Nefertari Sovint"]

 

[Bubák]

This was not Elizie’s first time travelling to Ilum. The young noble had visited the planet less than a year ago and successfully obtained her first lightsaber crystal, constructing her lightsaber in the week that followed. As such, she did have an idea of what to expect on the planet safe from ice, snow and cold. The Force on Ilum manifested itself into realistic visions that not only guided the Jedi in their search for crystals, they also forced the seekers to face their inner fears and to some degree make them ready to wield the lightsaber. Of course, while the illusions themselves posed no real danger to the young Jedi, their capitalization on one’s fear could lead to severe injuries if one panicked. That, and the caves were not entirely devoid of life. Beasts such as the large Gorgodons occasionally roamed through the tunnels, searching for their prey. The noble of the House of Adasca had not encountered any the last time, but she was aware of the possibility back then and she was aware of it now.

The teenage Arkanian felt no worry though. Not only a Jedi should not let these emotions influence their actions, she also travelled with a rather large group of her fellow Jedi that wished to claim a few crystals. While she did not need a new crystal for herself, still in possession of her lightsaber, Elizie took it as an opportunity to learn something. Not everyone from the group was a Padawan and the noble wished to take in the wisdom of the Knights and Masters in the small party. The words of the elders have already showed her the right path once when they transformed a snotty, racist noble into a Jedi Padawan. Not even with all the riches of the House of Adasca would she be able to repay her debt. The least thing she could do was to become a proper Jedi following the will of the Force and the wise words of her superiors.

The young woman entered the hanger, her booted feet gently tapping on the floor as she strode towards the shuttle, heavy winter coat hung over her shoulder while the rest of garment meant to keep her warm already adorned her body. Milky white eyes observed the group as the sight of them grew closer and closer, hoping to have a name to each face, but alas ended up recognizing only the Jedi Master, if not for the face known through the Order then for the signature in the Force. The power radiating from her… Elizie had never felt anything like it before. While the Light Side could be found in every Jedi, the Jedi Master’s presence shined like a beacon. The young Arkanian could only hope to carry the Jedi ideals as well as Master Rekali. It wouldn’t be an easy journey, but one that was possible to achieve by devoting oneself to the Jedi teachings and the Light Side of the Force.

The clapping sound of her boots walking on the marble floor suddenly stopped as she reached the Jedi. “Master Rekali,” Elizie offered a polite bow and clasped her hands behind her back, “Padawan Adasca reporting.” It would be a lie to say the white-eyed girl was not nervous at all, but her calm and soothing voice betrayed nothing. “Allow me to say it is an honor to travel by your side, Sword of the Jedi. I am truly humbled by your presence.” Another bow and the Padawan spun to face the others, the milky white eyes being just as neutral as the expression on her face. “Hail and well met, friends.” She finally allowed her lips to curl into a warm smile.

[member="Gherron Vael"] [member="Aaralyn Rekali"] [member="Nefertari Sovint"] [member="Jack Rand"]

 

[Nikolas Faselli]

Going to a planet to get a crystal for one's lightsaber -- something Maria had heard Jedi do, but which she had never seen or been to. It was a strange thing in her opinion to go on a cold unknown regions planet to get one single crystal. Too much risk, she had always thought. Why wouldn't they just go and get one from somewhere close or buy them from people who would love to get crystals on a daily basis? But now as a Jedi Knight and a person who has spent most of her times either in the Academy Libraries or at home, studying the Jedi Philosophy even more, she had come to the understanding that going to Ilum was not only a way to get a lightsaber crystal. No, it was something all Jedi had to do once.

And now was Maria's turn.

What kind of a crystal would she find in the caves of Ilum? A blue one? Green? She had heard there are other coloured crystals, too, which would be amazing. But her own red Sith saber was already too unique in the Jedi Order. Getting one more odd coloured saber was not only extremely unlikely, but also too egoistic and... attention-seeking.

Now, Ilum was a cold planet, and she had been to Hoth once or twice, which had nearly been suicide. This time, it was destined to be even worse. Just because of that, Maria had learned tapas and had bought a huge set of winter clothes, which was strange because in the area of the planet she lived in, there was summertime.

Dressed in her usual maroon Jedi robe, she also had a bag with heavier clothing inside. They had some time until they'd actually reach the freezing planet. Why put on the clothes on the nice warm Ossus?

"Hello, everybody!" Maria spoke to the group of people with a nice friendly voice, then tried to bow to every single one of them.

[ [member="Aaralyn Rekali"] | [member="Jack Rand"] | [member="Nefertari Sovint"] | [member="Gherron Vael"] | [member="Elizie Adasca"] ]​

 

[Ayden Quell]

Prior to reading the mission manifest, Ayden Quell had never heard of the icy planet of Ilum before. The Jedi did well to keep the planet from public record, erasing or not including it on star maps and communal ledgers. This, Ayden had read in the Jedi achives, was because the treacherous descent to Ilum's surface could only be navigated by a skilled pilot who was well versed in the powers of the Force. This alone had caught his interest spectacularly. It was clear the planet held a deep connection to the Force, most likely due to the lightsaber crystals which dwelled deep beneath catacombs and caves, and he was eager to experience this connection for himself.

The mission to Ilum was an age-old tradition, known as 'The Gathering.' It was a rite of passage for all Jedi and was an integral process in the creation of a lightsaber. Although crafting a lightsaber appealed to Ayden, it was a chance to be a part of something greater than himself. That was all Ayden wanted, to become a part, to belong. In following the mystical lineage of all the Jedi, he was slowly becoming a part of something that was not written in the history books, but instead dwelled irrevocably within the heart of every past and future Jedi. Hope was one thing the Jedi gave to the galaxy, but a sense of community, of finding solace in the company and spirit of others, that was another.

It was his will, and the will of his compatriots which would keep him warm on llum. Though, of course, only a nerf herder would expect that metaphorical phrase to be truth in practice. If Ayden didn't plan on obtaining forstbite, hypothermia, death -- or all three -- he was going to pack heavy garments. And thats what he did, stuffed them all inside a large backpack and swung it over his shoulder.

Ayden marched through the Academy Halls like a duracell bunny with his head held high. A nervous excitement encased his whole being as he entered the Hangar Bay. When his eyes cast a glance across at the shuttle and the other Jedi getting ready, he had a sudden vision...

~~~​

Ice, sparkling walls of ice. They hung before him. The shuttle transformed into a large cavern entrance, the Jedi around it huffing and puffing, their breath's oddly visibly in the frigid air. He was here, he was at the catacombs of Ilum. The large icy walls stood over him, arrogant in the might of their height and strength. A dull twinge began to burn in his chest. He looked down and saw his skin translucent, a dim red color burning beneath the surface. With one large gape ahead, he saw, too, behind the sudden icy walls which became translucent, a fire. A dim fire that burned, that begged him to come hither, and that enraptured every fiber of his being.

~~~​

​

Shaking his head, Ayden came back to reality, realizing what an idot he must have looked like just standing there gaping motionlessly. With the same pep in his step as before, and a gentle smile entwining his lips upward, he approached the shuttle and the group of Jedi. "Greetings, Master Rekali," he said softly as he approached the ramp of the shuttle. "Padawan Quell at your service." Although he had seen a lot of the other Jedi here before, in the halls or in classrooms, he hadn't made any of their acquaintances. He elected a taciturn approach, bowing his body (which would have been quite awkward due to the backpack slung across his shoulder) and said a few words of kindness before going inside the womb of the shuttle.

[member="Aaralyn Rekali"] | [member="Gherron Vael"] | [member="Nefertari Sovint"] | [member="Jack Rand"]

 

[Kosuke Yamauchi]

A Rite of Passage...
Kosuke Yamauchi was one of, if not, the youngest among the Gathering. At least he assumed so. He had read ancient manuscripts, when the days of old a thousand Jedi could be gathered at a single temple, with many being around his age, but now there were far less. After the first, and the second Jedi Purges, and the ever disastrous Gulag Plague, the galaxy, even so long after the plague's affects had diminished, still struggled to regain its former self. He was one of the few his age that studied to become a Jedi, and did not find it surprising that old traditions of only allowing very young children to be initiated into the Jedi was thrown away. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and that mean't recruiting from the older generations. He didn't have qualms about it, but it would sure be nice to have someone to talk too that was the same height as he. Yodalings didn't count.

Kosuke entered the hanger, bare-footed with soles as hardy as leather. He was gathered in a thick set of red robes. His head was close-shaven, with skin that was naturally tanned and eyes that proved he was beyond any doubt an Epicanthix. He looked to be about ten years of age. Squinted eyes peered up at everyone around him, not only did he feel dwarfed, he felt like he would be in everyones way. No other padawan his age to be found. He carried with him a quarterstaff carved from a branch of a tree, so its design was far from smooth. Bits of it was still wrapped in bark, and tied reeds adorned both butt ends of the stick. Kosuke made a beeline for the Master in the room, her presence in the Force like a beacon of light in a foggy night. He quickly said to [member="Aaralyn Rekali"], "Master, I am Padawan Kosuke Yamauchi, I was told to come here for the Gathering." He took a deep bow, and looked to the Arkanian, [member="Elizie Adasca"], "Hello, I am Padawan Yamauchi."

 

[Kiren sepherus]

Kiren sepherus made his way into the hanger at a brisk pace, 'Illum, an ice planet know for it's numerous crystal caves, needed to create a lightsaber.' Kiren thought, as he read from a datapad that was firmly in his hand.
'I can read the rest of it on the way there.' He put the datapad away into his bag, alongside his clothes that he packed for the cold world, and a training saber. 'Best to be prepared.' Kiren thought as he made his way to the shuttle.

He smiled from behind his brown cloak as he spotted his master, [member="Nefertari Sovint"], in the crowd. 'Atleast i know someone that'll be at the gathering.' he thought as he examined the rest of the knights and padawans 'Maybe i should've been a bit more social before this...' he shook his head, before coming back to attention.

"Master." he said to [member="Nefertari Sovint"] and [member="Aaralyn Rekali"] as he approached before pulling off his hood and bowing.
He quickly made his way into the group of Padawans shortly afterwards.

 

[Garik Reed]

[member="Kiren sepherus"] | [member="Kosuke Yamauchi"] | [member="Ayden Quell"] | [member="Maria Natalja"] | [member="Elizie Adasca"] | [member="Gherron Vael"] | [member="Aaralyn Rekali"] | [member="Nefertari Sovint"] | [member="Jack Rand"]

Rael pulled the straps of his backpack up, adjusting it. He may have packed a little too heavy, but to the desert born kaleesh padawan, there was no such thing as too warm. His pack was stuffed, looking like it was about to explode. As he walked next to Gherron, he had a stupid smile on his face, looking even stranger with his mandibles. It was warranted though, as the padawan was about to go on the adventure to make his first lightsaber. Being a natural born warrior, Rael had been enthralled with the ins and outs of lightsaber combat.

As they walked up to the group, he looked around at all of them. By far, he seemed to stand out the most with his clawed hands an feet, and his tribal bone mask. He pulled his backpack up again, trying not to let it slip off his shoulders. "Hello, Padawan Rael sul B'an." He nodded to each of the other Jedi, as well as the Republic officer.

 

[Long Gone]

Aaralyn turned her attention away from [member="Jack Rand"] again for a moment, but not before pulling The Idiot from his deck and flashing it to him with a smirk. “Force Sabacc is so much better.” Her gaze shifted to [member="Gherron Vael"], a curt bow would be given before she motioned to the ramp. “I’m sure that you and Captain Rand will be giving some people a run for their credits on our trip, but please both of you know once we get to Ilum…” She turned a gaze to Jack “The cards go up…” She gently tossed The Idiot card back towards the good old Republic officer before her focus went back to Gherron. “I am pleased you’re making this journey with your Padawan, hopefully for your own experience as well.” Her hand lowered. “Make yourself as comfortable as a shuttle will allow before we make it up to the Endeavor.”

She would return the bow to [member="Kiren sepherus"] and motion towards his master, [member="Nefertari Sovint"]. “Be mindful of what your Master says my Padawan, an excellent instructor and a very talented Jedi. I am eager to see what the Caves brings out in the both of you.” She smiled softly before her attention was captured by [member="Rael sul B'an"]. He reminded her of someone, someone she couldn’t quite place. Perhaps it was his species. She had seen that mask before, in the history books and the holocron of Master Yoda. She would keep it in the back of her mind for now, not wanting to disturb the process of the whole meet and greet. She bowed at the waist to the Padawan sul B’an. “Greetings Padawan, perhaps when we have time, we can discuss your culture together? You remind me of someone.” She nodded softly before moving away from him, walking past him quietly.

She approached the young Arkanian, who was very polite and noble in her gestures to not only herself but others – very impressive. Aaralyn chuckled softly and returned the bow. “Hello there Padawan Adasca, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance. I look forward to our journey together and what you can teach me, please feel free to make yourself comfortable and have the service droid load your belongings and we’ll be on our way shortly.” A hand would come to gently touch the young girl’s shoulder as she continued on down the line.

She could feel the general excitement and even anxiety in the air, she was surprised even that no one could feel the anxiety from her. Perhaps there was more than this trip that caused her to be anxious? Maybe it was that Myrkr trip and that [member="Falcon Gyndar"]? Who knew, it would be something she’d have to meditate on later.

Aaralyn noticed [member="Maria Natalja"] – a woman she once trained briefly before [member="Kiskla Grayson"] had taken over the role of being the Master. She always remembered her to be very friendly, Aaralyn approached her and bowed in return. “Hello Knight Natalja, it’s great to see you again. I look forward to another journey with you, kinda like that time we went hunting for the Arca Jeth holocron…” She mused and gently patted Maria on the shoulder. “Please, like I told the others, make yourself comfortable while we finish preparing the shuttle.”

Aaralyn turned away, taking a deep breath and exhaling roughly. This was a bit more than she anticipated. All these introductions and formalities wasn’t something she had been used to. She admitted she never put herself out that as a Jedi before and perhaps that was why this was a bit unsettling?

Aaralyn came upon both [member="Ayden Quell"] and [member="Kosuke Yamauchi"] – both Padawans and very different in nature in a variety of ways. She could sense the excitement, maybe even nervousness from one while there was an uncertainty and apprehension from the other? She wouldn’t predict it. The room was clouded with various emotions and for good reason to. The journey to Ilum was one that made a Jedi who they were supposed to be and indeed it could bring about some of the darkest fears from the very minds of the Jedi present – she could only hope they would have faith in themselves and the Force to guide them through their tests.

She smiled to Ayden and returned the bow, a hand quickly reaching out to assist in settling the bookbag as he bowed. “I see you’re ready for our little journey, very good Padawan Quell, maybe you can show me some survival techniques that you might have read up on?” She chuckled and turned to Kosuke. “Padawan Yamauchi, a pleasure to meet you. I have heard so much about you.” She rested a hand upon his shoulder, gently gripping it. “I do hope you can educated me in your culture and your people, as I know little about them.” She let go of his shoulder and looked to his quarterstaff. “Interesting choice of weapon…maybe you can show me some moves with that as well when we arrive?”

She turned back to the crowd behind her and gestured towards the shuttle. “If you could all go ahead and make your way to the shuttle, load up your things and get comfortable. We’re only waiting on a few more before we make our way up to the ship…”

Spoiler

OOC - I tried to greet everyone and tag all who I could see, please forgive me if I missed. More coming tonight!

 

[Nefertari Sovint]

Nefertari boarded the shuttle with [member="Kiren sepherus"]. She decided to see if her padawan knew about this planet
"Kiren; you seem like a bright lad, what can you tell me about Illum?"

 

[Kiren sepherus]

Kiren was a little taken back by his master's question, as he boarded the shuttle with her, but he recovered quickly and swiftly thought up answer to her question. "Well...it's an ice planet." he said blandly, before realizing his master might want a more 'Informative' answer "From what i've researched about it, it's pretty much always snowing. But it's also known for it's crystal caves, which jedi go to get there lightsaber crystals...like we are right now." he smiled, satisfied with his answer.

He took a seat near the front of the shuttle and brought out his datapad, with a few press of his fingers a screen of blueprints appeared on the datapad. 'Alright best continue working while on the way there.' he thought as he started brain-storming on designs for a lightsaber.
'Something cool looking, yet practical...'

[member="Nefertari Sovint"] [member="Aaralyn Rekali"] [member="Rael sul B'an"] [member="Kosuke Yamauchi"] [member="Ayden Quell"] [member="Maria Natalja"] [member="Elizie Adasca"] [member="Gherron Vael"] [member="Jack Rand"]

 

[Kosuke Yamauchi]

[member="Aaralyn Rekali"] said, “Padawan Yamauchi, a pleasure to meet you. I have heard so much about you.” Kosuke frowned, and for a moment it looked like he wouldn't be able to see at all out of his signature Epicanthix eyes. "I didn't think I had much of a reputation. I suppose people keep talking about me hanging myself." He paused briefly, and realized how horrifying that sounded, "Oh wait no, no, no. I don't mean that literally, I just mean that is what people think I do. I do hang myself from a noose, but it is neck training to make my neck stronger. My people call it the 'Iron Neck' technique."

Aaralyn rested a hand upon his shoulder, gently gripping it. “I do hope you can educated me in your culture and your people, as I know little about them.” Kosuke nodded, half-surprised he was actually having a conversation with a Master. It was like having a chat with a celebrity, or maybe a bit less extreme, but still, it made Kosuke excited at the prospect. He didn't have a Master, and maybe this was the way to find one. "Well, there's not many of us," Kosuke said, "It's just my family and a few others. I know that other people in the galaxy still practice our traditions, but..," he shrugged, "I haven't met them."

She let go of his shoulder and looked to his quarterstaff. “Interesting choice of weapon…maybe you can show me some moves with that as well when we arrive?” Kosuke looked down at his quarterstaff, gave off a cocky grin and scoffed aloud, as if boasting, "You think that's cool? Check this out, someone sent it to me in the mail." Kosuke reached into the folds of his robes, and it was clear from the way he began to pull out a pair of sheathed swords that he had plenty of room in those baggy robes to hide a lot. There were two swords, sheathed, with a curvature in the blade and the hilt wrapped in black cloth, just like the black sheath.

"And I also got this," he announced, with only the type of ignorance that could be afforded to a young padawan. He reached into his robes again, struggling to reach something until he pulled out a square-like object. It glowed a brilliant sky blue, and it pulsated with a deep connection to the Force; a holocron. A crumpled letter fell to the floor, he quickly dashed it up and began to shove the holocron and letter into his robes, finally hooking the sheathed swords on a string within his robes, and pulled his robes closed so no one could see what he was wearing within the robes - not much. "I'll see you on the ship, Master." As though he had no idea the implications it mean't to be holding those items, he began to walk towards the shuttle.

[member="Kiren sepherus"] [member="Nefertari Sovint"] [member="Rael sul B'an"] [member="Ayden Quell"] [member="Maria Natalja"] [member="Elizie Adasca"] [member="Gherron Vael"] [member="Jack Rand"]

 

[Sabena Shai]

Before boarding the shuttle to Ilum, Sabena had gathered what supplies she was instructed to bring - along with personal effects that she thought would be helpful. She would don her winter wear once they reached Ilum - deciding to keep it in her duffle bag in the meantime. Rations along with the standard equipment rested in pouches on her belt. A foreign lightsaber hilt hung by a clip on her left hip. Yet, she was going on this journey with the purpose of acquiring a lightsaber crystal.

Once she had prepared herself, Sabena journeyed to the shuttle hangar in order to meet the rest of the group. Eventually, she reached the hangar to see [member="Aaralyn Rekali"] instructing people to board the shuttle. Sabena was at least later to arrive than [member="Jack Rand"], [member="Nefertari Sovint"], [member="Gherron Vael"], [member="Elizie Adasca"], [member="Maria Natalja"], [member="Ayden Quell"], [member="Kosuke Yamauchi"], [member="Kiren sepherus"], and [member="Rael sul B'an"].

Sporting a very utilitarian-like attire, Sabena normally opted to not wear long skirts and robes as a significant amount of Jedi did. She sported brown pants that would serve as yet another layer in protecting her body against the cold of Ilum. Her tan tunic had long sleeves and heavy fabric as well as a collar that she could fully close much like a cadet collar. Her duffle bag was strapped over her right shoulder and dangling from the strap just behind her back.

After the latest Jedi gave her greetings to Aaralyn, Sabena approached the Councilor. She gave a Jedi-like bow as she greeted her - folding one hand over another with both hands just in front of her at chest level.

As she dipped down, Sabena told Aaralyn with a genuine smile, “I am glad you are traveling with us, Master Rekali.”

Yet just as Sabena finished her sentence, gravity took hold of the duffle bag that was resting just on her back as she bowed forward. The bag swung around Sabena’s right side until it fell off her back. The strap was still around Sabena’s right arm and it broke the duffle bag’s fall. The momentum of the bag jerked Sabena - causing her to stumble a bit as she gasped in apparent shock.

Staring at the duffle bag for a second, Sabena remained in silence. Then, she pulled her upper body back up and flung the bag behind her with a smile and a couple chuckles of amusement.

 

[Long Gone]

Aaralyn turned her attention from [member="Kosuke Yamauchi"] as [member="Sabena Shai"] approached and bowed in a respectful, polite manner and then gravity played an evil hand. Aaralyn's facial expression shifted to that of surprise as she attempted to return the bow but found herself trying to help the Padawan in mid-bow. The elder Jedi would chuckle softly as she rose up from her half-attempted bow, her hands positioning them as if she were preparing to catch the bag and the girl - should they decide to tumble forward. A brief sigh of relief would come from her followed by a low chuckle as the blonde haired Padawan righted herself up and fixed the strap on the bag and adjusted herself. Aaralyn cocked a smile to the side and studied her carefully with her amethyst eyes - there was something about her. It was something familiar, she reminded her of someone she knew but she couldn't quite place it. Before the Master knew it, she was staring at the younger girl and not speaking and a noise caught her attention causing her to snap back to and cough slightly in embarrassment.

Her right hand would come up to wave as if she was in mid-thought “I’m so, so, sorry Padawan Shai. My manners have seemed to gone astray somewhere.” She bowed again. “I am glad to have you with us, I heard you were a great asset for us at the Battle of Manaan.” Aaralyn gestured towards the shuttle.

“Your Master must be very proud of you, you handled yourself well in a difficult situation…” Of course, Aaralyn was speculating, she didn’t know the full events that transpired in space – only bits and pieces that came with the report. What was detailed was that the Padawan before her, [member="Sabena Shai"] and a Jedi Knight by the name of [member="Lira Dajenn"] were critical in the fight against the One Sith forces – regardless of the outcome of the battle itself.

 

[Sabena Shai]

After recovering herself, Sabena continued to give a small laugh with squinted, almost closed, eyes. A light blush on her cheeks formed due to the mishap. Yet after a couple second, her eyes fully opened and locked onto [member="Aaralyn Rekali"] as the Jedi Master stared at her. Sabena maintained a gentle smile. She silently waited until Aaralyn gave a slight cough - to which another chuckle almost broke through the girl’s lips.

Then as Aaralyn waved her right hand, Sabena’s eyes snapped to her finger tips momentarily. She returned her focus to Aaralyn’s face as the Jedi Master began to speak.

“Oh, no, don’t be,” quickly replied Sabena as Aaralyn apologized, clumsily performing half a bow as Aaralyn did a full one. She stopped just short of the tipping point that had caused her duffle bag to fall just a second ago.

At the mention of the Battle of Manaan, Sabena gently straightened herself. She had a half-smile once more - teethe not showing and with a curl just at the outer tips of her lips. Her eyes drifted to her right as Aaralyn mentioned that her master much be proud.

“I haven’t had a chance to speak with Master Liadain since. She is very busy,” Sabena told Aaralyn as her eyes wondered back to the Master. Sabena spoke of [member="Kira Liadain"].

A look of eagerness soon formed in Sabena’s eyes as she leaned slightly forward to then say, “Though I’ve heard you’re making a squadron!”

 

[Nefertari Sovint]

"Good job. Though nothing I haven't heard. I'm simply trying to be prepared, I've never set foot on Illum."
Nefertari had plans to craft two lightsabers. One was already planned and sketched out, partly crafted even. She struggled over the second one, however, and began to meditate on the design. Many designs Nefertari had seen before came to mind: Master Bari's, her great-grandma's, her sister's, even the one her papa had created. None of them seemed right.

[member="Aaralyn Rekali"] | [member="Kosuke Yamauchi"] | [member="Sabena Shai"] | [member="Kiren sepherus"] | [member="Ayden Quell"] | [member="Jack Rand"] | [member="Gherron Vael"] | [member="Rael sul B'an"]