Chapter Two: The Circle Begins
Location: Coruscant, several years earlier.
"Don't be afraid," Master Windu's voice said from above me. We were on our way to the Jedi temple, where I might become an apprentice to one of the masters who awaited me. I had lived for six years on Coruscant, almost my entire life, and Master Windu had been my guardian ever since he had brought mehere from a world and family unknown to me. I had no memories of them, not even the faintest recollection of my mother's voce crooning a lullaby. Everything I knew was with the Jedi.
I could feel the pit of my stomach sinking to the earth far below as we stepped off the elevator. The figure that towered over me knelt down before me and took my face in his dark hand.
"Just relax," he smiled. "If a master doesn't choose you, don't take it personally. It just has to feel right. Besides, you are only six years old. You have many years before we would refuse you for training. It took me until I was nine to receive a master." His hands moved to my shoulders and he smiled. "You'll do fine."
We entered the Jedi temple and I was brought to the center of the room. The Masters formed a circle around me. I only recognized a few of them. Master Windu took a seat beside a short Master with green skin and long pointy ears. Although I had never met him, I knew this Master by his reputation. This was Master Yoda. He had seen many Jedi in the very spot where I stood, more, in fact, than any other Master that was present in the room. His ancient brown eyes met my blue ones, making me feel young and foolish. He obviously knew what I was thinking and feeling, I had no doubt of this, but I couldn't even guess at his most obvious thoughts.
"How feel you?" came his raspy voice.
"You already know, Master," I replied, "Why ask me?" Beside him, Master Windu cracked a slight smile.
"See if in tune with your feelings you are, we must." I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling every particle of my being. Master Windu had taught me this ever since I could remember.
"I feel calm, Master," I said, not opening my eyes. Surprisingly, I did feel calm, as if all the nervousness had been washed away. After a moment of silence, I opened my eyes. Master Windu's face was expressionless, but his eyes smiled at me. I had seen this look far too many times to not know when he was pleased.
Master Yoda motioned to the Master on his right. She wore white robes and had silky green hair. For a moment, she eyed me from her chair, and then she approached me rapidly, her eyes closed, revealing purple lids. Even with her so, I was certain she was looking at me. I felt as if I was naked and put on display for all the world to see. My eyes darted to Master Windu, but his eyes were fixed on the Master in front of me. After what seemed like eternity, the Master opened her eyes. They were a fiery golden color and seemed to see right through me. She said nothing, but returned to her chair, her hands crossed behind her head.
Master Windu tapped the Jedi next to him on the shoulder. A master, who I had not seemed to notice before, with long brown hair, rose from the chair. He seemed to glide across the floor toward me, his robes billowed about him like a flag in the breeze. This gentle approach eased my tensions from my previous encounter. He was obviously drastically different from Master Windu, who, although he wasn't rough, was known throughout the Jedi circle for his power and seriousness. Although this Master had power, it was a different sort. I couldn't place it, but he felt different. About seven feet from me, he stopped and closed his eyes. I couldn't take my eyes off him. He was calm, truly calm. Had I known him, or even his name, I might have embraced him in that instant, as I would so often do in the years to come. It seemed, however, that we were placed in a mental embrace, and I could almost feel his arms about me, although he maintained his distance. After a few pleasant moments, he bent down on one knee and placed his hand on my shoulder. Instinctively, I put my opposite hand on his shoulder and closed my eyes to match him. It seemed as if we stayed in that position forever, enjoying the comfort of the other's hand, yet not thinking or feeling at all. At the same moment, both our eyes shot open and gazed directly into the other's, his older blue ones into mine, which were so new to the world. Then there came a familiar look, one remarkably similar to the look I knew so well from Master Windu. The Master's eyes were unmistakably smiling.
"Well, Qui-Gon, what are your thoughts?" Master Windu asked. Master Qui-Gon turned toward Master Yoda, Master Windu, and the Master who had previously examined me and stood behind me, placing both his large, gentle hands on my small shoulders.
"I take Tahiri Kiera to be my Padawan learner."
Please note, the name Tahiri is not mine. It originates from a Star Wars series, so don't blast me for it. I own nothing in here, nor in the first chapter. I claim nothing.
Humbly yours
MornieGalad
