Edan had been ready to carry Tibs back to her room, but after he had helped her limp back to the preparation room, she brushed him off. "Go back, you're the winner, you'll have at least one more match. I'll be fine." He watched her retreating form with concern, but let her go. Tibeah Renks was no end of confusion for him now. The last time he'd seen her, she had been a petulant, moody little girl, but a loyal and kind friend. Now in the place of that weedy little girl was a beautiful young woman, fearsome and vindictive, treading the line between the light and the dark a little too closely for the comfort of those who cared for her. He would have to speak to someone about her; the alarming emptiness he'd seen in her eyes was dangerous in a padawan of her power.
A signal rang through the room, and Edan assumed that was the call for him to enter the arena again, but as he walked toward the door, he found his way blocked by his former master.
"I think you've done enough knocking around padawans for one day," said Yon Ridrynn as the Anzati master took hold of his former apprentice's shoulder and led him away.
Edan fell into step with his former master, and decided he was as good as any to discuss his concern with. "Master Ridrynn, you've had more contact with the Temple than I these last few years. Have you heard any of the other masters talking about Tibeah Renks?"
Ridrynn sighed. "Yes, I have. I've heard that she's powerful, skilled… and as scary as a swarm of half-starved laigreks. Master Yoda is hesitant to let her take the trials and leave the guidance of her master."
Edan frowned. So it hadn't just been her anger with him. "I sensed something dangerous in her when we fought. It was like the girl I grew up with was gone, and there was nothing there but Force power and blind fury."
"The Zabrak are passionate people, but what I saw in that fight was something else altogether. Maybe you should talk with her. You were friends once, maybe you can help her calm herself."
Edan gave a little laugh and wiped a hand across his forehead. "I'm not sure talking with her would have much of a calming effect. She's none too happy with me at the moment."
"Trust me, talking to her is safer than letting her stew. Women get meaner the longer you let them think."
Author's note: If you'd like to get an idea of what Tibs looks like, pop on over to deviantart and check out an artist named ~suka. She has an awesome drawing of our main character.