.
Where Paths Begin
I cannot truly say how much I enjoy this place. As I marvel at the sight of those huge trees, I feel as if I turn to stone — amazed by the scale surrounding me. For someone who barely saw anything other than endless concrete buildings on the planet I was born on, this many trees feels closer to a dream. When I was younger, the rest of my group and I used to dream of places like this. I have no doubt that the galaxy still harbors thousands of even more impressive worlds, but... I have to admit, as a second world to discover, I'm pretty lucky. The wind flows through everything; my hair drifts with it as I close my eyes to feel the breath of Tython. It still amazes me. Since I first stepped foot on this world, I haven't been able to wipe the smile from my face. I kneel, picking up a handful of leaves, still wet from the morning dew. There's dirt mixed in — it feels fresh. A faint smile lingers on my face. Dirt, leaves, and water.
I'm used to dust, concrete, and steel. The contrast is almost infinite. Everything feels lighter, just like the air itself. The pressure I carried for so long seems to have lifted. As I rub my fingers together, the dirt stays — it's almost cold. A drop of water rolls across my hand and finally falls from the tip of my fingers. Every leaf is a little wet, and I like it. Here, the sky gives us water. Of course, I saw rain on Coruscant before, but as I grew up, it became such a rare occasion — to see it trickle through the cracks of the surface — that I still cherish it. Finally, I release my grasp and continue walking, letting the bits of dirt, water, and leaves fall behind me. On my way, I glance up at the sky — the clouds, the sun. It's beautiful.
Today, I'm supposed to meet with Master Noble, the Grand Master of the Order, who's going to show me around a bit. A little stress creeps in, doubts still lingering. I don't know if I'm truly ready. My control and understanding of the Force are still lacking, though the calm here clearly helps.
As I walk, lost in thought, my hand reaches again for a few leaves, which I keep clenched in my palm, squeezing them gently as I arrive in front of Master Noble.
I bow slightly to greet her, trying to be as respectful as I can. She's already here — was she early ? Or am I late? Good question.
"Hello, Master Noble. Am I late? If so, I apologize — maybe I wandered a bit too much before coming here."
As I speak, I quietly release the leaves behind me, shifting slightly to hide them, unsure how it might look. She's much taller than me — I have to look up as I talk.
"Anyway, I'm glad to be here today, Master."
I don't really know what's planned, but whatever it is, I know it'll be good for me. I've never done much besides training, studying, and meditating for the Jedi Order — and of course, traveling to Tython. I know Jedi usually have a lot to do. Now that I'm becoming a Padawan, I'll be mixing learning with action. And clearly, I'm not great at hiding my anticipation — I can't help but shift my weight now and then, the excitement slowly growing inside me.
Zevran
. New to the Order. New to the Temple. A Padawan not hers by assignment, but by presence — one of those the Force seemed to place gently into her path. She remembered what this first moment had felt like. The awe. The uncertainty. The questions you didn't know how to ask yet. Valery had seen it a dozen times before in others... and still felt it echo faintly in herself.
