The sun was warmly shining through the open window; a slight breeze blew through it bringing the smell of the garden outside of it. This was Ridu's first experience as he woke up. The sound of vehicles outside stirred him as he resurfaced from his hibernation back into consciousness. He opened his eyes and winced slightly as the sun shined in his face. Blinking a few times he groaned slightly as he looked around, his mind slowly processing the environment around him.
He was lying in a bed. White sheets had been pulled up to his chin and the sun lit up the room better than the lights would have if they were on. He looked outside and saw the familiar gardens of the Jedi Temple. The skyscrapers and vehicles that trademarked Coruscant took up the distant view.
He slowly took a bandaged arm, wincing at both pain and stiffness from lying in one position for too long, and rubbed his eyes. He slowly worked to sit up and he felt and heard his spine pop at the movement; both pain and relief filled his back as he shifted to sit up straight.
He felt his stomach rumble at hunger. Even with the force sustaining you in hibernation it was no substitution for the real thing. He looked up as the door opened and a small, soft, knock became apparent. A young man, human in the uniform of a youngling, entered and gave a low bow. "Master Ridu. Good Afternoon."
Ridu nodded in reply. "Good Afternoon young one. How is the day?" he asked.
The boy nodded and smiled. "Good so far Master. I was asked by Master Halos to check up on you. How are you feeling?" he asked. Ridu smiled. "Slightly drowsy and somewhat hungry, and a slight pain from the bandages. Other than that I'm fine."
The boy smiled.
"I shall see if I cannot get you something to eat Master. The afternoon meal has already been served to most but I shall do what I can." He said turning to leave. "I thank you." Ridu replied as the boy left.
Ridu checked himself. There were a few bandages on his arms and his chest. They felt cool and had a slight smell to them. They were probably treated for burns or scars.
He pulled the covers off himself and slowly moved to stand. He felt his body both rebel and rejoice in the movement. He slowly began to do a few streatches, feeling his body loosen after a long period of time laying in hibernation
Soon after he was done there was a knock and the door opened up to the boy again with a tray of food. "Here you are Master Ridu." He said. Ridu sat down on the bed and began to eat the soup and bread the boy provided. It was subtle in its taste and Ridu's stomach gladly accepted it.
The boy took the tray as Ridu finished. Another knock on the door made them look up.
A Miraluka woman with a red sash over her eyes walked in. "Master Sira'lani." Ridu said giving a nod. "Ridu. It is good to see you are well. I have come with the notice that you will be called later today to appear before the Jedi Council."
"They need information on what happened?" he asked.
"That is so."
Ridu nodded and smiled. "I will do my best to answer their questions to the best of my memory." The woman nodded. "That is all that will be expected of you. I recommend that you take some time out in the gardens or in the meditation room to relax and regain your strength. You will be asked to retell some harsh memories I am certain."
Ridu nodded. "I shall take your advice to heart Master."
Ridu looked up for a moment. "Tell me…My friend. Did he make it back yet?"
The Miraluka looked at him. "No. He has yet to be found. But we are looking for him."
Ridu nodded. "The force will be with him both in life and death. He will be fine wherever he is. There is no Death. There is the Force."
Sira'lani smiled and nodded. "Take the time to relax and regain your strength. You have been in hibernation for a long time. Much longer than one should." She said moving towards the door and left.
Ridu nodded his thanks to the boy as he left as well.
Ridu laid back on the bed. He thought of his friend and where he would be right now. He hoped that he was well but he knew what kind of danger they had been in. Ridu took some comfort in the thought of if his friend was dead that he had become part of the Force and looked after Ridu. If he was alive he took comfort in knowing the Force was always with him. He had always been strong with the Force. More so than Ridu. If he was somewhere and alive the Force would protect him.
He stood up and stretched some more, gathering his shirt he put it on and walked out to the garden.
The familiar smells and sights of the grounds helped him settle from the news about his companion. He found a bench out in the open and sat on it crossing his legs and watched the younglings as they worked. They were of various races and ages, all children. They were working to move rocks into the air and hold them while another instructor shouted random phrases. Most of them didn't make sense. They weren't supposed to. The point of the training was to teach the students to hold the force while things were happening around them. To focus on the task at hand.
One of the children, a twi'lek lost control and the rock was sent flying. The teacher however caught it easily and lowered it. The child started to whimper but the teacher put his hand on her shoulder and spoke softly. The child nodded and sat down watching the others work. After a while they put the rocks down and left.
Ridu smiled as they left and closed his eyes and meditated while waiting for the summons to the council.
