All went by him as he sat down, looking at his hands amid his crossed legs.
Thoughts through and out of his mind made his forehead wrinkle and his eyes focus on the mere movement of his fingers. His countenance was twitching, uncontrollably at times: his mouth was restless, and his lips ripped as he bit them from time to time.
The corridor he was sitting in was silent, even as many Jedi, Padawans and helpers were passing by. Even if words were uttered, he could not hear them.
Nevertheless, he noticed slow, approaching steps. He raised his pristine brown eyes and stood up. Master Jedi Rin'Asa had a very large dark cape and looked like she had just won a tough battle.
"Hello"
She looked content, but not happy.
"I require an audience with you, Arwar: there are further things that we need to discuss. Please, do not be discouraged"
The boy hesitated: then, he firmly shook his head and took a step forward.
Her thin lips creased into a smile. With a wave, he was invited to follow her to her room.
"I understand... I will strive to be an awesome Jedi. I don't want to disappoint anyone"
Rin'Asa nodded gravely. She raised her hands to hold his shoulders. As he felt the gentle grasp, Arwar's head slowly fell: there had been a tumult, a surge in the Force.
"It's time for you to go" he heard in that delicate, nasal tone. He was dismissed, and did not turn back. She grabbed her vest, near her belt.
The holo was before her. There was a pending message that was recorded and yet to be heard. Rin'Asa looked at the button, carefully: at last, she pressed it and retreated, slightly.
Predictably, it was the Chancellor.
"Grandmaster Rin A'sa. From now on, I will solely address you as hero of the Republic. No more conflict shall spawn from Darth Eemion and her affiliates' actions and it is all thanks to your dedication, and your skill. I have feared for you for so long, but now my mind can rest, as you have taught me. May the Force be with you, always!"
As the registration ended, Master Uspio and Master Tes Valno made their way in.
"There is a matter we wish to interrogate you on. There's reason to believe Dosk Thur was trying to reach his other disappeared Force-sensitive son, Kande."
Rin A'sa lowered her head.
Arwar was outside: he was far, but not as far as not to hear his brother's name. He got closer again, in confusion.
"Rumor has it he's been dispatched in a slave camp after Darth Eemion's capture. Shall we look for him?"
She closed her eyes and stayed still. Immovable.
Arwar waited, and felt very afraid, as much as he'd felt in the past. He also felt strange, as if he was watching from outside.
Master Uspio was surprised and looked at Master Tes Valno, but he was still looking at Master A'sa.
"Better not" she eventually whispered.
Arwar sighed in relief, but could not bring himself to move away.
Master Uspio was startled and looked again at Master Tes Valno, who did not seem to react visibly.
"Do you think it wise, Grandmaster?" he then questioned in a very quizzical tone.
"I do, Master Uspio. Consider the power we're dealing with: and the boy was already well into his training as a Sith. Arwar is still young enough to be saved"
Arwar rejoiced: she had said again that she believed in him. He had no more doubts: and suddenly, he could not hear any more words they were saying.
"But then you bring about the question of: how old were you, Grandmaster?"
Master Tes Valno was startled this time: but Master A'sa was not.
"What is different between you and him? Have you looked into Kande's heart? Most importantly, is there a specific age after which our teachings are futile?"
Rin A'sa looked back at the Master with distress and impatience. The mark on her face was made prominent by her furrowed brow.
"Jedi history has taught us there is, Master Uspio. I am merely providing safety to the Order and our Galaxy. Please do not act against my indications, or we all will be in great trouble."
"As you decree, then. I will put my trust in your decisions" Master Uspio resolved, still not too convinced.
